Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

8 Jul 2013

Measures to Address Smoking Prevalence in Singapore

The debate highlighted an upward trend in Singapore's smoking prevalence, rising from 12.6% in 2004 to 16% in 2012, with significant increases among young adults aged 18 to 39, driven partly by social influences like peers and parents who smoke.
The Ministry of Health outlined various measures to address this, including a proposed Point-of-Sale display ban to de-normalize smoking, school-based awareness programs, and community initiatives like the Blue Ribbon Smoke-Free Movement.
To support cessation, the Health Promotion Board has partnered with employers and industries to implement targeted programs, such as the Workplace Smoking Control Programme and stress management support, while maintaining a goal to reduce smoking prevalence to 10% by 2020.

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8 Jul 2013

Classification of Dengue Clusters

Lee Li Lian questioned whether the government accounts for dengue victims being bitten outside their residences when classifying clusters.
Vivian Balakrishnan explained that NEA classifies clusters based on workplaces or residences of two or more patients with fever onset dates within 14 days and within 150 meters.
NEA conducts epidemiological investigations and carries out mosquito control operations within and beyond identified clusters, including at public congregation areas.

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8 Jul 2013

Incidence of Elective Caesarean Births

In 2012, Singapore recorded 15,733 caesarean operations, a slight increase from 14,583 in 2011 and 13,674 in 2010.
Approximately 37% of all births in 2012 were delivered via caesarean section, a proportion that remained stable over the previous three years.
Elective caesareans made up over half (55%) of all caesarean births in 2012, similar to the ratios in 2011 (55%) and 2010 (54%).
The debate highlighted a consistent trend in the incidence and types of caesarean births over the last three years.
The figures indicate a steady reliance on caesarean deliveries in Singapore’s healthcare system.

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8 Jul 2013

Clearing Potential Breeding Grounds for Aedes Mosquitoes

Ms Mary Liew sought plans to intensify inspection and clearing of blocked public drains as potential breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes, amid a severe dengue epidemic with over 12,000 cases and four deaths.
Minister Vivian Balakrishnan detailed government actions, including recruiting 300 additional officers for inspections, weekly drain checks by PUB, and increased flushing and larvicide application in dengue clusters.
The Ministry emphasized public cooperation, urging people to report choked drains via the Department of Public Cleanliness and avoid littering to prevent drain blockages that create mosquito breeding sites.

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8 Jul 2013

Approval Timeframe for Use of MediFund

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked about the average time patients wait for Medifund approval, including for new applications and downgrading hospital class.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong explained that assessments are done by Medical Social Workers, with over 90% of approved applications receiving full assistance in the past three years.
Processing times vary; complete applications can be assessed within a week, but complex cases take longer, though urgent treatment is provided during processing.
Hospital downgrading requests are generally assessed within one to two days after complete financial information is obtained.

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8 Jul 2013

Safeguarding Singaporeans' Health during Occurrence of Haze

The Minister confirmed that N95 masks are not certified for children and advised parents to keep children indoors during unhealthy haze levels, while noting that the Ministry is exploring suitable alternatives and working with schools on mitigation measures.
The Ministry outlined its haze readiness plans, including a scheme offering subsidised treatment at participating GP clinics for vulnerable groups, steps to free up hospital beds, and measures to protect patients and maintain supplies in healthcare institutions.
The Minister reported that haze-related healthcare impacts have been manageable, with a temporary increase in polyclinic attendances but no significant surge in hospital A&E visits, and confirmed the subsidised GP scheme will remain in place pending review after the dry season.
Dr Lam and Mr Giam raised concerns about the proper use of N95 masks for vulnerable individuals and the dissemination of public health advisories, with the Minister emphasizing outreach efforts and the importance of timely information through media and community channels.

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8 Jul 2013

National Emergency Response to Occurrence of Haze

Government officials assessed that Singapore’s emergency response to the 2013 haze was largely effective, with clear organisational structures and action plans activated, though areas like public communication and mask distribution need improvement.
Measures taken included distributing free N95 masks to vulnerable households, subsidising healthcare visits, providing utility rebates, and ensuring business continuity support to maintain essential services during the haze.
The government emphasised enhancing real-time communication, such as providing next-day haze forecasts and a one-stop information website, while acknowledging the need for more tailored and timely health advisories.
Community resilience was highlighted, with grassroots networks and citizen-led initiatives playing a key role in mask distribution and information sharing, reinforcing trust and collective action during the crisis.
The debate underscored the importance of learning from past crises, strengthening inter-agency coordination, and preparing for future national threats through robust contingency plans and public engagement.

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13 May 2013

Cost of National Electronic Health Records (NEHR) System

Gerald Giam asked about the total amount spent to date on the NEHR system, the additional funding needed to complete it, and the annual maintenance costs.
Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that $172 million has been spent on NEHR Phase 1 so far and that the total investment depends on the healthcare sector's needs as the 10-year program continues.
The Minister noted that MOH is currently gathering stakeholder feedback for the next phase and that the system's annual maintenance costs are about $20 million.

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13 May 2013

Healthcare Spending and Funding Sources

Gerald Giam asked the Minister for Health to provide healthcare spending breakdown for the last 10 years across nine funding sources including government subsidies, MediSave, MediShield, ElderShield, MediFund, private and employer insurance, other employer benefits, out-of-pocket cash, and other funding.
Gan Kim Yong explained that National Health Expenditure (NHE) covers inpatient and outpatient care, primary care, long-term nursing, health products, traditional medicine, and spending by both residents and foreigners.
From 2002 to 2011, NHE grew at an average of 9% per year, while Government Health Expenditure (including Medifund, Medisave withdrawals, and MediShield claims) grew faster at over 11% annually.
In 2011, ElderShield payouts were $10 million and are expected to rise with population aging, while Integrated Shield Plans paid out about $0.2 billion.
The remainder of funding includes private medical insurance, employer benefits, Civil Service medical benefits, charitable donations, and out-of-pocket payments, including by foreign medical tourists.

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13 May 2013

MediShield Policy Cancellations and Removal of MediSave Withdrawal Limit for MediShield Premium Payments

Mr Zainal Sapari asked the Ministry for Health about the number of residents aged 60 and above who cancelled their MediShield policies in the past three years and the reasons for cancellations, as well as whether the MediSave withdrawal limit for MediShield premiums could be removed to allow full payment.
Minister Gan Kim Yong reported that an average of 650 residents aged 60 and above cancelled their MediShield policies annually from 2010 to 2012, representing less than 1% of that age group, with no specific reasons recorded for the cancellations.
The Minister stated that MediSave withdrawal limits for MediShield premiums were revised in March 2013 to $800 for those aged 75 and below, $1,000 for ages 76–80, and $1,200 for those above 80, and these limits are sufficient to cover basic premiums for all policyholders.
The Government has implemented measures to assist elderly Singaporeans with premium payments, including one-time MediSave top-ups of up to $400, annual top-ups of up to $450 via the GST Voucher Scheme, and additional top-ups during Budget surpluses, such as a $200 top-up for those aged 45 and above in 2013.
These measures collectively address concerns about affordability and access to MediShield coverage for the elderly, ensuring that premiums can be managed within the existing MediSave withdrawal framework without requiring further changes to the withdrawal limit.

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13 May 2013

Support for Family Caregivers

David Ong asked about support for families caring for patients with multiple chronic diseases, particularly with the push for peritoneal dialysis.
Gan Kim Yong explained that peritoneal dialysis offers convenience but some patients need caregiver assistance, and support is provided through training, home visits, and social work assistance.
The Ministry of Health collaborates with voluntary welfare organisations and hospitals to offer training, home visits, community support, and financial subsidies to caregivers.
Future efforts will continue to enhance support for peritoneal dialysis patients and their caregivers.

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13 May 2013

Projected Increase in Number of Medical Officers

Mr Yee Jenn Jong asked about the expected increase of 20,000 healthcare professionals by 2020, specifically the number of medical officers and projected increase in temporary medical officers in public healthcare.
Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that out of the 20,000 new healthcare professionals from 2011 to 2020, about 3,600 will be doctor positions, filled mainly by local graduates and returning Singaporean doctors.
Local medical schools will increase output to 500 graduates in the long term, and 92 overseas-trained Singaporean doctors returned in 2012, with efforts ongoing to attract more.
Remaining demand will be met by overseas-trained foreign doctors, some on temporary registration to address immediate clinical needs.

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13 May 2013

Reported Cases of Physical and Verbal Abuse of Healthcare Employees

Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked the Minister for Health for data on reported physical and verbal abuse cases against healthcare employees over the past decade, the Ministry's measures to protect them, and actions taken against abusers.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong noted a rise in reported abuse cases, with public hospital police reports increasing from 16 in 2010/12 to 33 in 2012.
Public hospitals implement measures such as signage, staff training in de-escalation, security alerts, and police intervention to protect staff.
The Ministry does not condone abuse, emphasizes public respect for healthcare workers despite patient stress, and may press charges against abusive individuals.

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13 May 2013

Update on Usage of Medication Assistance Fund

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked for an update on the Medication Assistance Fund's utilisation following an increase in subsidy coverage and plans to review eligibility and subsidies for medical implants.
The Minister for Health stated that the Medication Assistance Fund now covers up to 75% of costs for selected high-cost drugs, with over 6,000 applications approved and $6 million in assistance provided as of December 2012.
The Standard Drug List and Medication Assistance Fund were recently expanded to include 17 more drugs, such as second-generation insulin products, to lower costs for diabetic patients.
Public hospital patients receive a 50% subsidy on medical implants up to a $1,000 cap, which covers almost 90% of implants, and the Ministry of Health will continue regular reviews to maintain affordability.
Patients needing additional financial help can seek assistance from medical social workers at hospitals.

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13 May 2013

Number of Successful Organ Transplants Resulting from Human Organ Transplant Act (HOTA)

The Minister for Health explained the HOTA process, which involves certifying brain death by two independent doctors, checking the Organ Donor Registry, and sensitively informing families of the donor's wishes, with emotional and counselling support provided.
Since HOTA’s implementation, over 850 patients have benefited from cadaveric organ donations between 1987 and 2012, though more than 500 patients remain on the waiting list for various organs.
The government is enhancing public awareness and communication efforts through initiatives like the Live On campaign to better engage Singaporeans on organ donation.

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13 May 2013

Coverage for ElderShield

ElderShield provides basic long-term care insurance with monthly payouts of up to $400 for six years for severe old-age disability, covering 59% of the resident population aged 40 to 80 as of end 2012, with a 92% enrolment rate for those turning 40 in 2012.
About 26% of the one million ElderShield policyholders have purchased additional coverage through supplements, and claims have increased from 3,900 to 4,900 annually between 2008 and 2012, with claim amounts rising from $23 million to $58 million.
The government is reviewing ElderShield for possible enhancements as claims are expected to grow significantly with the ageing population and scheme maturity.

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13 May 2013

Medical Officers in Public and Private Healthcare Institutions

Health Minister Gan Kim Yong reported that as of 31 December 2012, 10,225 doctors were registered with the Singapore Medical Council, with 61% in the public sector and 35% in the private sector.
In the public sector, 72% of doctors held full registration, 23% had conditional registration, and 5% had temporary registration, compared to 97%, 3%, and less than 1% respectively in the private sector.
There were 308 doctors on temporary registration, primarily recruited to meet service needs in fields like emergency and geriatric medicine, with 38% receiving extensions beyond their initial two-year contract in 2012.
Doctors on temporary registration must demonstrate good performance, receive department recommendations, and be accepted into specialist training by their fourth year to have their licences renewed.
The Ministry has regulations to ensure these doctors are supervised and work only in relevant departments, with close monitoring to maintain standards and adaptation to local practice.

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13 May 2013

Increasing Participation Rate for Community Health Assist Scheme

The Ministry aims to add 100 more GP clinics and 50 more dental clinics to CHAS by year-end, bringing participation close to half of all such clinics nationwide.
IT enhancements, including a summary page and future tools for easier diagnosis entry, are being introduced to reduce administrative barriers and errors for clinics.
While most HDB towns have at least 40% clinic participation, Bishan and Kallang/Whampoa have lower rates, though residents can access nearby polyclinics within 2 km.
The Ministry will continue outreach to GPs, improve geographical distribution, and explore further incentives to increase both clinic participation and eligible sign-ups.

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13 May 2013

Singaporeans Who Are Not Able to Benefit from MediShield

Zaqy Mohamad asked if citizens with pre-existing conditions who are ineligible for MediShield could use Medisave or CPF Special Accounts for commercial insurance, and requested data on the number and age profile of Singaporeans unable to benefit from MediShield.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that MediShield covers 92% of residents, with very low rejection rates (under 0.5% for ages 60 and below and 1-2% for above 60) due to pre-existing conditions.
Gan explained that Medisave can be used for certain private health insurance plans, but those with pre-existing conditions may still face coverage denials or high premiums, and CPF Special Account funds are reserved for retirement, not insurance purchases.
He noted that Singaporeans without MediShield or private insurance can rely on heavy government subsidies, MediSave, and financial assistance like MediFund, with the government also providing periodic MediSave top-ups.
The Ministry is reviewing how to further assist those unable to obtain insurance due to pre-existing conditions as part of healthcare financing reforms.

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13 May 2013

Dialysis Centres in New Towns

Dr Janil Puthucheary questioned how the Ministry of Health will facilitate dialysis centres in new towns like Punggol and plan for future chronic healthcare needs.
MOH collaborates with Voluntary Welfare Organizations like NKF to identify sites and secure locations for dialysis services while monitoring demand in new towns.
The government supports VWOs through funding mechanisms such as the Community Silver Trust, operating subvention, and expanding primary care with new polyclinics in Punggol and Pioneer by 2017.

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