Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

4 Nov 2014

Regulation for Use of Shisha

The Ministry of Health highlighted the severe health risks of shisha, which includes exposure to toxicants equivalent to over 100 cigarettes and a rising trend of use among young people, leading to a decision to ban its import, distribution, and sale.
A transitional period until July 2016 is provided for existing licensed retailers to deplete stocks and restructure their businesses, with enforcement measures to prevent stockpiling and illicit activities.
The ban will apply to all imports, including for personal use from overseas, and public education campaigns will be intensified to inform the public, especially youth, about the dangers of shisha.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Nov 2014

Coverage of Costs of TCM in Pioneer Generation Package

Tin Pei Ling asked if the Pioneer Generation Package could cover costs of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
The Minister for Health replied that Pioneer Generation subsidies apply only to subsidised services and drugs at public healthcare institutions, GP, and dental clinics under CHAS, not to TCM clinics.
TCM is considered complementary medicine and is therefore excluded from Pioneer Generation subsidies.
Seniors seeking TCM can access affordable services through over 40 charitable TCM organisations in the community.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Nov 2014

Long Waiting Time by Subsidised Patients to Get Admission for Operations

K Karthikeyan asked the Ministry of Health how to reduce long waiting times for subsidised patients needing surgical admissions.
Gan Kim Yong explained that admissions are prioritized by severity, with emergency surgeries handled promptly and non-urgent cases having a median waiting time of 14 days in 2013.
The Ministry is using day surgeries, same-day admissions, and increasing surgical specialists and operating theatres to manage and reduce waiting times for planned operations.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Nov 2014

Air-conditioning B2 and C Class Hospital Wards to Keep Out Haze, Dust and Noise

K Karthikeyan asked the Minister for Health about considering air-conditioning for B2 and C class hospital wards to protect against haze, dust, and noise, noting that other areas like waiting and triage rooms are already air-conditioned.
Gan Kim Yong explained that B2 and C class wards are designed for natural ventilation due to affordability and infection control, with some patients preferring non-air-conditioned environments similar to their homes.
The Ministry of Health takes additional measures during severe environmental conditions, such as providing funding for air purifiers and portable air coolers during last year’s haze and planning to add filter systems in new healthcare facilities.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Nov 2014

Limit on Medical Costs to be Borne by Employers of Foreign Domestic Workers

Zaqy Mohamad asked whether there is a cap on medical costs for employers of foreign domestic workers (FDWs) and how the government protects employers from high medical bills, noting differences from corporate healthcare liabilities.
The government does not subsidize healthcare for FDWs, and employers must bear all medical costs to prevent unpaid bills from burdening taxpayers, a condition agreed upon when applying for work passes.
Employers are required to purchase mandatory medical insurance for FDWs with a minimum coverage of $15,000 per year, which covers 98% of inpatient and day surgery bills at public hospitals, and personal accident insurance with $40,000 coverage.
Employers facing costs beyond the insured amount can discuss installment plans with hospitals, and are encouraged to buy additional coverage for higher protection, especially for private hospital treatments.
The insurance requirements aim to balance affordability for employers with sufficient coverage for most medical scenarios, based on historical data from 2010 to 2013.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Nov 2014

Curbing Increase in Cost of Medicines with Subsidies Accompanying Pioneer Generation Cards

Dr. Lee Bee Wah asked about guidelines for prescribing cost-effective medicines for the Pioneer Generation and ways to deter the use of expensive medicines with PG cards.
The government provides subsidies for drugs on the Standard Drugs List and Medication Assistance Fund, with committees ensuring clinically and cost-effective drug use in public institutions.
Doctors are guided by clinical practice guidelines and are ethically required to prioritize patient interests, including cost-effective treatments, with encouragement to use generic drugs when possible.
Patients are encouraged to discuss treatment options and charges with doctors, including asking about generics, while the Ministry monitors clinic claims for PG and CHAS patients.
Clinics are held accountable for exceptional claims to ensure appropriate use of subsidies and deter unnecessary prescription of expensive medicines.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Nov 2014

Rehabilitation of Prison Inmates with Mental Illness

Denise Phua asked how the Singapore Prison Service rehabilitates inmates with mental illness, using a recent case of a mother with mental illness convicted for her son’s death, and under what circumstances such inmates may receive a shorter sentence.
Teo Chee Hean explained that inmates with mental illnesses are regularly seen by prison psychiatrists, and those needing dedicated treatment are housed in a psychiatric unit run with IMH, receiving therapy and counselling from a multidisciplinary team.
Inmates with stable mental conditions are housed with the general population and participate in standard rehabilitation programmes, with all inmates required to serve their full sentences unless granted remission for good behaviour or placed in community-based programmes.
After release, the Singapore Prison Service may arrange aftercare with IMH or voluntary welfare organisations for ongoing psychiatric treatment, based on individual circumstances.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Nov 2014

Pioneer Generation Fund Bill

The Pioneer Generation Fund Bill establishes an $8 billion fund to provide lifelong healthcare benefits, such as Medisave top-ups and MediShield Life premium subsidies, to about 450,000 Singaporeans born before 1949, with the full cost projected to be slightly over $9 billion including accumulated interest.
Parliament debated the bill’s administrative details, including eligibility appeals, transparency of healthcare provider definitions, and the need to streamline processes like disability assessments, while assuring that the benefits are not means-tested.
Speakers supported the bill as a recognition of pioneers’ contributions, but raised concerns about potential misuse, communication gaps with seniors, and the sustainability of the fund amid rising healthcare costs and aging demographics.
An amendment to clause 3, proposed by NMP Chia Yong Yong to remove wording that implied financial need as a criterion, was negatived after the government clarified that the package is not means-tested and the phrasing only reflects historical context.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Nov 2014

Government's Action Plan for Ebola

The Ministry of Health outlined multi-layered border controls, including health advisories, screening at checkpoints, and temporary visa requirements for travellers from Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, while noting that current screening may not detect asymptomatic cases during the incubation period.
Singapore has prepared its healthcare system by designating Tan Tock Seng Hospital for Ebola cases, using PCR testing, and conducting training and audits to prevent infection control breaches, though rapid diagnostic kits are not yet approved for use.
The government has provided aid to WHO and affected countries through medical supplies and cash contributions, and will continue to calibrate its response based on the evolving global situation and WHO recommendations.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

8 Oct 2014

Retention of Foreign Allied Health Professionals

The Ministry of Health (MOH) and Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) have implemented strategies like additional funding for competitive wages and subsidized training to retain foreign and local allied health professionals (AHPs) in social service and intermediate and long-term care sectors.
Initiatives such as therapy hubs and the central employment scheme (CREATE) have been introduced to support service providers, improve career development opportunities, and deploy AHPs to meet manpower needs.
Local training pipelines have been expanded, with intakes for physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy increasing by 75% from 2007 to 2013, and efforts continue to review demand and supply to build up the local talent pool.
MOH and MSF will continue collaborating with service providers to explore further ways to enhance the attraction and retention of AHPs for sustainable healthcare and community care growth.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

8 Oct 2014

Survival Rate among Premature Babies in Singapore

Alex Yam asked about the annual number and survival rates of babies born before 24 weeks of gestation and whether survival has improved over the past decade.
Dr Amy Khor reported that from 2009 to 2013, 2 to 5 such babies were born annually, with survival rates rising from 27% (1998–2002) to 48% (2008–2012), but noted the small sample size prevents definitive conclusions.
Alex Yam suggested considering lowering the abortion limit from 24 to 20–23 weeks and asked for an update on public consultations for revising abortion guidelines and mandatory counselling.
Dr Amy Khor stated there is no statistical confidence in improved survival for babies under 24 weeks, reaffirmed 24 weeks as the standard viability threshold internationally, and said the Ministry is not considering lowering the abortion limit due to lack of evidence and other policy considerations.
She added that public consultation on extending pre-abortion counselling will begin by the end of the year, with ongoing reviews of counselling content and counsellor training.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Oct 2014

Readmission Rates in Acute Hospitals

Chen Show Mao requested readmission rates for each acute hospital over the last three years, specifically for patients aged 65 and older, and whether these rates could be published annually.
Gan Kim Yong provided rates, showing an overall 30-day readmission rate of around 11.7% to 12.2% from 2011 to 2013, with older patients having stable rates near 19%, and specific hospital rates varying from 6.2% to 15.1%.
The Minister explained factors influencing readmissions, such as patient conditions, care quality, transitions to community care, and noted that MOH monitors rates and shares data with hospitals, while considering the request for annual publication.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Oct 2014

Pre-implantation Genetic Screening for Women Undergoing IVF in Singapore

The Ministry of Health has not approved Pre-implantation Genetic Screening (PGS) in Singapore due to unclear evidence on its effectiveness in improving live birth rates for fertility issues and concerns it could be used for non-medical embryo selection, such as sex selection.
The government is maintaining a cautious approach and will continue to review PGS as new evidence emerges, balancing the potential benefits against ethical risks.
Safeguards for abortion, including mandatory pre-abortion counselling and a 48-hour cooling-off period, are already in place to prevent misuse, addressing concerns about abortion for non-life-threatening reasons.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Oct 2014

Restrictions for Enhanced Co-Funding for Assisted Reproduction Technology Treatment

Ms Lee Li Lian queried the rationale for capping the enhanced co-funding for Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART) treatment at age 40 for women and asked for a review to include couples above 40.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong explained the cap is based on clinical evidence showing declining success rates after age 40 and the policy aims to encourage early treatment, with co-funding enhanced to 75% up to $6,300 per cycle under the 2013 Marriage and Parenthood Package.
The Minister stated the government will monitor clinical evidence and update eligibility criteria where appropriate, noting prior co-funding was only 50% capped at $3,000 per cycle for three fresh cycles.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Oct 2014

Student Suicides over Last 10 Years

Ms Kuik Shiao-Yin requested statistics and reasons behind student suicides over the past decade, along with education efforts for parents, teachers, and students to recognize symptoms and reduce stigma.
Minister Heng Swee Keat reported that suicide rates among those aged 19 and below fluctuated between 10 to 19 cases per year from 2004 to 2013, with causes including family, relationship, and mental health issues.
The Ministry of Education outlined its support systems, including school referrals, counselor interventions, and partnerships with agencies like IMH and MSF to promote mental well-being and resilience through education and community efforts.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Oct 2014

Use of Medisave for Patients in Transit Wards of Accident and Emergency Departments in Hospitals

The Minister confirmed that the median time for admission to a ward from the Emergency Department is about 2.5 hours, with patients receiving continuous medical care during their transit period.
Medisave and MediShield Life can be used for charges incurred during transit, but their applicability depends on whether the hospital considers the transit period as part of the inpatient stay, which varies across hospitals.
The Ministry is reviewing practices to streamline how transit periods are billed and counted for insurance claims, as some hospitals start charges only upon ward admission while others do so earlier.
Hospitals like Changi General Hospital and Singapore General Hospital charge transit patients at ward rates once taken over by the inpatient team, though some may offer reduced rates based on circumstances.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Sep 2014

Diminished Impact of Pioneer Generation Package on Elderly Pensioners

Seah Kian Peng asked if a review is being conducted on the diminished impact of the Pioneer Generation Package for low-income elderly pensioners.
The Deputy Prime Minister assured that government pensioners will retain all existing post-retirement medical benefits while also receiving additional benefits under the Pioneer Generation Package.
Eligible government pensioners will receive lifelong Medisave top-ups, enhanced CHAS subsidies, and disability assistance, which will reduce their out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.
All pensioners will be enrolled in MediShield Life, providing additional coverage beyond their current medical schemes.
The government concluded that the combination of the Pioneer Generation Package and existing pensioner benefits will improve the overall well-being of eligible pensioners.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Sep 2014

Clinical Trials for Sanofi Dengue Vaccine

A Phase II clinical trial for the Sanofi dengue vaccine involving 1,200 patients was conducted in Singapore, with follow-up ongoing.
The Health Sciences Authority must approve the vaccine based on safety, quality, and efficacy before it can be used, and current Phase III results show lower efficacy against common dengue serotypes in Singapore.
The Ministry’s Expert Committee on Immunisation will consider local disease burden, safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness before deciding on including the dengue vaccine in the National Childhood Immunisation Programme.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

8 Sep 2014

Use of Medisave for Visits to Specialist Outpatient Clinics

David Ong asked the Ministry of Health to consider extending Medisave use for specialist outpatient clinic visits due to increasing chronic conditions among the elderly.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong stated Medisave is already usable for select specialist outpatient treatments including 15 chronic conditions and cancer care, with subsidies for specialists and drugs increasing in 2014 and 2015.
The Ministry will extend Medisave for all diagnostic and treatment scans up to $300 annually and launch a Flexi-Medisave scheme in 2015, allowing elderly patients to use up to $200 yearly for outpatient treatment at specialist clinics, polyclinics, and CHAS clinics to reduce cash payments.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

8 Sep 2014

Capacity to Cope with Unplanned Additional Hospital Beds

Gerald Giam inquired about the capacity of NUH, SGH, and CGH to handle 150 unplanned beds, whether they would be permanent or temporary, how many would be in corridors or tents, and if sufficient manpower was available to maintain care standards.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that CGH's beds are part of a planned expansion starting end-2014, with manpower ramped up, while NUH and SGH will add about 150 beds in renovated spaces due to freed-up capacity from new facilities, none in temporary structures.
Gan Kim Yong confirmed that there is sufficient manpower in the system, as staff were already recruited for NTFGH and Alexandra Hospital, ensuring safe operation of the additional beds.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source