Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

29 Jan 2016

Ambulance Evacuation for Accident Victims and Seriously Ill Patients

The Parliamentary Secretary outlined SCDF’s strategies to manage rising ambulance calls, including a tiered response model and public training initiatives to ensure timely care for critical cases.
SCDF uses Fire Bikers and AEDs to provide immediate aid for time-sensitive emergencies like cardiac arrests, while fire fighters can assist in accidents before ambulances arrive.
For cases like heart attacks, SCDF prioritizes transporting patients to the nearest hospital with appropriate facilities via the fastest route to minimize door-to-balloon time.

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29 Jan 2016

Impact of Exposure to Haze

Leon Perera asked for data on the long-term respiratory health impact and healthcare costs for Singaporean children exposed to haze, but the Minister of State for Health replied that no local or international data exists for episodic exposure, making long-term cause-and-effect links difficult to establish.
The Minister outlined current measures to address short-term haze effects, including the Haze Subsidy Scheme, distribution of masks and protective supplies, and plans to provide air purifiers in schools, while noting efforts to prevent haze through regional cooperation.
Leon Perera suggested using international studies to estimate future healthcare costs as a planning tool for haze-proofing investments, and the Minister agreed to continue reviewing overseas studies to inform policy decisions.

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29 Jan 2016

Waiting Time for Professional Assessment of Persons with Disabilities

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked about waiting times for disability assessments by psychologists, speech therapists, and other trained personnel for children and adults.
The Parliamentary Secretary responded that waiting times have improved, with median initial assessment waits of 6–19 days for school-aged children and 7–17 days for preschoolers, while specific programs like EIPIC average three months for assessment.
The government is working to reduce waiting times further, with plans to increase EIPIC places to 3,200 by 2018 through new centres and expanded capacity.

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28 Jan 2016

Risk of Mosquito-borne Virus Zika Spreading to Singapore

Dr. Lim Wee Kiak questioned the Minister for Health on the risk of Zika spreading to Singapore, the preparedness of public health services, advisories to the medical community, and whether Zika would be made a notifiable disease with travel advisories issued.
Minister Gan Kim Yong explained that Zika is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, is generally mild but linked to birth defects, and while no local outbreaks are reported, imported cases are likely due to regional presence and travel.
Singapore has a surveillance program, advises travelers to protect against mosquito bites, and has made Zika a notifiable disease requiring case reporting within 24 hours, with medical advisories and enhanced lab testing in place.
If a case is detected, vector control will increase, and infected individuals will be isolated in hospitals to prevent mosquito bites and local transmission, though the disease may eventually become entrenched due to the Aedes mosquito presence.

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28 Jan 2016

Medical Bills of Foreign Workers

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef inquired about the trend and average size of medical bills for foreign workers, as well as arrears in restructured hospitals over the last five years.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that foreign workers' hospital bills are unsubsidized, with median bill sizes rising about 7% annually from 2011 to 2014, reaching around $2,000 in 2014.
Employers are required to provide healthcare insurance coverage of at least $15,000 for foreign workers, which fully covers 96% of day surgery and inpatient bills at public hospitals in 2014.
Foreigners, including foreign workers, represent about 14% of outstanding arrears cases lasting more than two months across all public hospital settings.
The Minister confirmed that the insurance coverage is generally sufficient to handle most medical bills, though some arrears persist among foreign workers.

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28 Jan 2016

Difference in Cost of Medication in Local and Overseas Hospitals and Pharmacies

Christopher de Souza inquired about the rationale for cost differences in medication between Singapore and neighbouring countries and asked if a review of pricing policy to balance costs and improve affordability would be conducted.
Minister Gan Kim Yong explained that medication costs vary across countries due to factors like operating expenses and pharmaceutical companies’ pricing strategies based on market size and purchasing power.
Singapore’s public healthcare institutions use joint procurement for about 90% of drugs to achieve economies of scale, resulting in lower prices for patients.
The Ministry of Health has enhanced subsidies for medications, increasing the subsidy rate for lower- to middle-income patients from 50% to 75% for drugs on the Standard Drug List, with additional discounts for Pioneers.
The government regularly reviews and expands the coverage of subsidised drugs, adding 12 new drugs in 2015 to improve affordability and treatment options.

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28 Jan 2016

Expanding Healthcare Insurance Coverage for Foreign Workers

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked the Ministry of Manpower to review healthcare insurance for foreign workers to include coverage for selective infectious diseases like pulmonary tuberculosis, noting that current insurance may not cover cases where the condition is diagnosed after inpatient treatment.
The Minister of State for Manpower explained that employers must cover medical costs, with insurance covering inpatient and day surgery bills up to $15,000, but outpatient treatments like tuberculosis are not covered to avoid raising costs for employers.
Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef highlighted that tuberculosis cases often lead to large hospital bills after inpatient care, but claims are denied due to the diagnosis, urging a policy review.
The Minister of State for Manpower stated that employers are responsible for costs, and the ministry will review the frequency and impact of such cases to consider policy adjustments.

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28 Jan 2016

Innovation in Eldercare Sector

The Ministry of Health is promoting innovation in eldercare through initiatives like dementia-friendly nursing home designs, community-based care pilots, and funding support for new models such as cluster living and home intervention services.
In response to concerns about privacy and space efficiency, the Ministry is experimenting with smaller-scale living environments and balancing innovation with sustainability, noting that single rooms may not always be the most cost-effective or practical solution.
The Ministry supports portable subsidies for dementia care but emphasizes the need for long-term sustainability, while indicating openness to learning from pilot projects like Jade Circle to refine care models across the sector.
There is a focus on expanding home and community care as preferred options for seniors, with institutional care reserved for those with higher needs, and efforts to develop an integrated national approach to dementia care.

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27 Jan 2016

Workload and Work Stress of Healthcare Professionals in Singapore

Leon Perera asked for comparative data on healthcare professionals' workload and stress in Singapore versus other developed countries, and the Minister of State replied that direct comparative studies are not readily available, citing OECD ratios showing Singapore’s doctor-to-population (21 per 10,000) and nurse-to-population (69 per 10,000) ratios are comparable to Asian economies like Hong Kong and Taiwan, with commitments to expand healthcare facilities and manpower.
The Minister outlined initiatives to improve work environments, such as flexible shifts, workflow optimization, and IT adoption, while noting that employee engagement surveys show high job satisfaction in most public hospitals, and emphasized the need for societal appreciation of healthcare workers.
Perera clarified whether population ratios include foreigners and suggested benchmarking studies on caseloads, linking workload to infection control reviews, to which the Minister responded that ratios cover the total population, surveys track staff well-being, and workload was not a direct cause of recent infection clusters.
The Minister assured ongoing efforts to enhance productivity, infection control, and staff support, considering Perera’s suggestions to improve the work environment and reduce manpower needs for an ageing population.

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27 Jan 2016

Tackling Recent Rise in Dengue Cases

The Minister reported a projected rise in 2016 dengue cases due to a serotype change, warmer weather, and increased Aedes mosquitoes, and outlined stepped-up inspections, public education, fines, and enforcement against breeding sites in homes and construction sites.
The Ministry is funding research with about $2.5 million annually for mosquito control tools and over $3 million for a Wolbachia-based suppression method, while monitoring the Dengvaxia vaccine for future use in Singapore.
In response to Zika concerns, the Minister emphasized that the same vector control measures for dengue would also prevent Zika spread, with enhanced surveillance and targeted actions if cases are detected.
For unoccupied private land, NEA proactively inspects properties and can use legal powers to gain access if owners do not respond, while ongoing monitoring via Gravitraps and community efforts helps identify and address breeding risks.

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26 Jan 2016

Pioneer Generation Fund (Amendment) Bill

The Pioneer Generation Fund (Amendment) Bill was presented by Senior Minister of State Ms Sim Ann to amend the Pioneer Generation Fund Act 2014, with the bill read for the first time and scheduled for a second reading in the next parliamentary sitting.
The amendment aims to refine the fund's operations, ensuring continued support for pioneers through updated legislative provisions and administrative adjustments.
The debate centered on the need to maintain the fund's effectiveness in providing healthcare and financial assistance to Singapore's pioneer generation.
MPs emphasized the importance of upholding the fund's original intent while adapting to current fiscal and demographic challenges.
The bill was ultimately supported as a necessary update to sustain the well-being of pioneers, reflecting the government's commitment to their welfare.

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15 Jan 2016

Ministry of Health

The Ministry of Health has expanded healthcare capacity and services, adding hospital beds, community facilities, and subsidies through schemes like CHAS and MediShield Life, while also enhancing workforce development and care standards for seniors.
MOH is focused on making healthcare more affordable and sustainable, particularly for lower- to middle-income patients and pioneers, through subsidy enhancements, flexible Medisave use, and plans for standardised private insurance.
The ministry aims to shift healthcare delivery towards preventive and integrated care, promoting the “One Singaporean, One Family Doctor” vision and strengthening Regional Health Systems to provide seamless, cost-effective care.
Efforts are underway to build a future-ready healthcare workforce, improve productivity through technology like telehealth and robotics, and invest in research to support an ageing population.
MOH is implementing the Action Plan for Successful Ageing, working with communities and agencies to create senior-friendly environments and promote active, healthy lifestyles for all Singaporeans.

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18 Aug 2015

Clarification by Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education

Hawazi Daipi corrected his earlier statement, clarifying that the MOE-Temasek Cares initiative he mentioned was actually a joint MOE-Temasek Foundation donation drive for the Sabah Earthquake Fund, not assistance for insurance coverage gaps.
The original incorrect statement was made in response to a question about the cost of treatment after insurance coverage caps for overseas school trips.
MOE is directly engaging with parents of affected students to assure them of continued support for their children's recovery, even if medical costs exceed insurance coverage.
The Sabah Earthquake Fund primarily benefits dependents of Singaporean adults who died, as well as Malaysian trainers and guides affected by the earthquake.

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18 Aug 2015

Mental Health Checks for Foreign Domestic Workers and Employers

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) does not track abuse cases specifically linked to mental health issues among foreign domestic workers (FDWs) or employers, but provides mandatory education and guidebooks on mental well-being and stress management for both parties.
Mental health checks for FDWs are available but not mandatory, as they are considered time-consuming, costly, and not always reliable; medical screenings require FDWs to declare any history of mental disorders and doctors to assess mental state.
A 2013 survey indicated that FDWs are at higher risk for mental health issues, but MOM emphasizes that mental health can change over time and relies on stakeholders—including employers, agencies, and VWOs—to share responsibility in promoting well-being and providing support.

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18 Aug 2015

Nurse-to-Patient Ratio in Restructured Hospitals

The nurse-to-patient ratio in general wards improved from 1:8 in 2004 to 1:5 in 2014, though patient acuity and demands have increased due to an ageing population and higher expectations.
The Ministry is enhancing efficiency through technology like the Closed Loop Medication Management system, which automates processes and frees up nurses' time for direct patient care.
Flexible work arrangements are being piloted in several public hospitals to support nurses' work-life needs and improve job satisfaction.
The Ministry remains committed to ongoing investments and improvements in nursing to address workplace strain and support healthcare professionals.

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18 Aug 2015

Care Levels at Institute of Mental Health

Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar asked about plans to upgrade and expand IMH and increasing the caregiver-to-patient ratio, and later raised that some patients are turned away due to space and manpower constraints, and proposed extending the caregiver training grant to include mental illness and allow multiple caregivers per patient.
The Ministry of Health responded that IMH has ongoing infrastructure upgrades, including new dementia-friendly wards, a High Dependency Psychiatric Care Unit, and expanded outpatient and community clinics, while noting improved caregiver-to-patient ratios and staff increases since 2010.
The Ministry stated that mental illness is already covered under the $200 per care recipient caregiver training grant, but if multiple caregivers are needed, other funds like the Woodbridge Hospital Charity Fund can be tapped, and community mental health initiatives are reducing reliance on tertiary services.
The Ministry emphasized that IMH consistently admits patients within four hours, is developing community-based care through GP partnerships and memory clinics, and is reorganizing care models to target patient acuity levels to support reintegration.
The Ministry noted that IMH provides a strong support network, including hotlines and home visits, for patients re-entering the community, and agrees more targeted help is needed for patients facing social and employment challenges after discharge.

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18 Aug 2015

Medisave Contribution Ceilings and Retaining Overflows for Medical Expenses

Baey Yam Keng asked whether CPF members who have reached their MediSave contribution ceiling can keep the overflows to pay for medical expenses instead of channelling them to other accounts, with the Ministry noting that overflows go to the Special or Retirement Account to improve retirement adequacy and that exceptional cases can be reviewed individually.
The Ministry explained that the MediSave Contribution Ceiling is being replaced by the Basic Healthcare Sum to reflect longer working lives, and CPF LIFE payouts can supplement healthcare needs, with flexibility considered for exceptional circumstances.
Dr Lee Bee Wah suggested allowing overflow funds to be channelled to the Ordinary Account for housing purchases for those who have not bought an HDB flat, but the Ministry of Manpower emphasized that retirement savings must take precedence, especially for the self-employed.
Minister Lim Swee Say clarified that for the self-employed, MediSave overflows are directed to the Special Account to ensure retirement adequacy, arguing that prioritizing housing over retirement savings for all workers would not be wise.

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17 Aug 2015

Suicides and Attempted Suicides in Singapore

Between 2010 and 2014, Singapore saw an average of about 400 suicides and 1,000 attempted suicides annually, with more males affected, a median age of 50.9 years, and higher rates among Chinese and Indians compared to Malays, though income breakdowns are not available.
The government has conducted studies on suicide, which have identified complex causes including relationship, social, economic, and mental health factors, and agencies like MSF, MOH, and HPB have implemented public education, prevention, and support programs in collaboration with community organizations.
Measures include school programs to teach goal-setting and help-seeking, peer support initiatives for tertiary students, active ageing and befriending activities for the elderly, and crisis intervention services like those provided by the Samaritans of Singapore, alongside professional follow-up care for at-risk individuals.

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17 Aug 2015

Deployment of Paramedics and Permissible Emergency Response Time

K Karthikeyan inquired about the number of paramedics per fire station and the basis for their deployment, as well as the permissible ambulance response time after an emergency call.
Teo Chee Hean explained that SCDF plans ambulance deployment based on factors like population density and caseload, with 50 emergency ambulances across 15 fire stations staffed by a paramedic and two emergency medical technicians each.
SCDF aims to respond to 80% of emergency medical calls within 11 minutes, achieving 83% in 2014, and adjusts resources dynamically to ensure prompt response.
The Save-a-Life initiative enhances community response through AEDs, trained responders, and a mobile app to complement SCDF’s efforts and improve cardiac arrest survival rates.

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17 Aug 2015

Allowing Pioneer Generation Patients to Select Doctors at Specialist Outpatient Clinics

Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked whether Pioneer Generation patients can select their own doctors at Specialist Outpatient Clinics in public hospitals.
The Minister responded that subsidised patients receive team-based care led by a senior doctor, and choosing a specific doctor requires paying private rates.
Pioneer Generation patients receiving subsidised care at these clinics get an additional 50% subsidy, but if they are private patients switching to subsidised care, they may not continue with their current doctor.

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