Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

4 Feb 2013

Increase in Medisave Withdrawal Limits

Mr Sitoh Yih Pin asked the Ministry of Health to consider increasing Medisave withdrawal limits to allow for greater use of Medisave balances.
The Ministry explained that Medisave is designed to cover hospitalisation and selected outpatient treatments, with careful balance needed to avoid premature depletion of funds over a lifetime.
Current withdrawal limits are generally sufficient for most subsidised hospital bills, and recent revisions have increased limits for certain outpatient treatments.
The Ministry noted that limits help prevent over-consumption and moderate cost escalation, with financial assistance available for those who still face difficulties.
The Ministry regularly reviews the Medisave scheme to ensure its continued relevance.

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4 Feb 2013

Allied Health Professions Act 2011

The Ministry of Health plans to bring the Allied Health Professions Act 2011 into force in the second quarter of 2013, with the delay attributed to the complexity of regulating multiple professions and concerns about institutional readiness for supervision.
Registration for physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists is expected to commence once the Act is implemented, following the finalization of subsidiary legislation and operational systems.
The Ministry intends to progressively include other allied health professions, such as diagnostic radiographers and psychologists, after the initial registration of the first three professions.

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4 Feb 2013

Assistance for Parents with Problems in Paying for Childbirth and Delivery Charges

Over the past three years, public hospitals extended financial assistance to an average of 1,000 delivery cases per year across B1, B2, and C wards, including about 95 cases annually involving complications during the birth of a fourth or subsequent child.
These assisted cases accounted for around 8% of total deliveries for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents in public hospitals, with additional support provided through instalment plans to manage costs.
Parents facing financial difficulties, including those with insufficient Medisave or who have reached withdrawal limits, can seek help from medical social workers in public hospitals.

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4 Feb 2013

Use of Medisave Funds for Preventive Healthcare Procedures

Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar asked whether Medisave funds could be used for preventive healthcare such as regular check-ups and treatments at various clinics and hospitals.
Minister Gan Kim Yong explained that Medisave is primarily for hospitalisation and costly outpatient treatments, with some expansions for chronic disease care, vaccinations, and specific screenings like colonoscopies and mammograms.
He noted that Government subsidies and other schemes help make outpatient visits and screenings affordable, especially for low-income Singaporeans, while Medisave does not cover alternative medicine like Traditional Chinese Medicine.
The Minister emphasised that any further expansion of Medisave use must be carefully considered to ensure savings remain sufficient for future healthcare needs, particularly in retirement.
The Ministry will continue to regularly review the Medisave scheme to maintain its effectiveness and relevance.

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4 Feb 2013

Medical Screenings of Foreign Workers

Dr. Lam Pin Min inquired about the Ministry of Health’s investigation into two clinics that screen foreign workers and the measures to ensure these screenings are conducted properly.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong confirmed that the Ministry is investigating the two clinics for potential breaches of the Private Hospitals and Medical Clinics Act after a complaint that workers were certified fit without physical examinations.
The investigation is ongoing, and regulatory actions may be taken against the clinics and doctors if breaches are found, with the Singapore Medical Council also empowered to act.
The Ministry is collaborating with the Ministry of Manpower to review and improve the medical screening process for foreign workers.

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4 Feb 2013

Measures to Prevent Cases of Baby Mix-up

The Minister detailed that a baby mix-up at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital occurred due to lapses in following identification and checking protocols, with no similar reported incidents in Singapore in the past 10 years.
Immediate actions included a review committee’s recommendations for improved tagging processes, enhanced staff training, regular audits, and disciplinary measures against responsible staff.
The Ministry of Health emphasized that strengthened patient safety measures, including those from this incident, will apply to all healthcare institutions, both public and private.

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4 Feb 2013

Disciplinary Cases Involving Doctors

The Ministry of Health has appointed a Review Committee to evaluate and improve the disciplinary processes for doctors, with the review expected to be completed in six months, and the Director of Medical Services has communicated with doctors to clarify SMC processes.
The Singapore Medical Council elections see 15–20% of doctors casting null votes, and the disciplinary framework under the MRA includes independent bodies and appeals to protect public safety and maintain trust, with ongoing efforts to refine these processes.
Minister Gan Kim Yong emphasized the balance between internal self-regulation and external oversight, noting that recent MRA amendments introduced external parties into disciplinary processes, and the Review Committee will assess implementation and further enhance trust.

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4 Feb 2013

Cost and Subsidy for Treatment of Hearing Impairment

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for Health about the number of elderly Singaporeans with hearing impairment seeking treatment, those needing hearing aids, average hearing aid costs, and whether Medisave could be used for these aids.
The Minister responded that 8,600 seniors received hearing evaluations in 2012 compared to 6,800 in 2010, with 1,500 needing hearing aids and 800 eventually using them.
Hearing aids average between $1,000 and $1,500, and Medisave cannot be used for them as it is reserved for hospitalisation expenses, though subsidies are available for low-income elderly through the Centre for Enabled Living’s Special Assistance Fund.
The government is reviewing policies to better support the elderly as the population ages.

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14 Jan 2013

Gang-Rape Victim Sent from India for Treatment in Singapore

Ang Wei Neng questioned the Ministry of Health’s role and stance in transferring a gang-rape victim from India to Singapore for treatment, amid allegations that India was offloading responsibility.
Gan Kim Yong stated that the Ministry was not involved in the transfer, as such decisions are made between hospitals, and the Indian High Commission only informed Singapore’s Foreign Affairs Ministry to facilitate entry.
Singapore hospitals have standard protocols for accepting medically evacuated patients, with no need to report to MOH unless there are significant public health risks like infectious diseases.

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14 Jan 2013

Increased National Healthcare Budget for the Elderly

Member Mary Liew proposed increasing the national healthcare budget and reviewing MediShield to reduce out-of-pocket expenses and improve insurance coverage for the elderly.
Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that the healthcare budget has been steadily increased, with plans to double it from $4 billion in 2011 to about $8 billion in 2016, and highlighted enhanced subsidies for primary and long-term care.
The government will provide a one-time Medisave top-up of up to $400 and regular annual top-ups of up to $450 for less well-off elderly to help with MediShield premiums and healthcare costs.
The Ministry of Health is conducting an ongoing review of the healthcare financing system to maintain affordability through subsidies and the 3Ms framework (Medisave, MediShield, Medifund).

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14 Jan 2013

Plans for Polyclinic in Potong Pasir

Sitoh Yih Pin asked if there are plans to open a polyclinic in Potong Pasir.
The Ministry of Health stated that residents are already served by Toa Payoh Polyclinic and many GP and dental clinics nearby, with recent upgrades to improve capacity and patient experience.
The Community Health Assist Scheme also provides subsidised care through participating GP and dental clinics in the area.
There are currently no plans for a new polyclinic in the Potong Pasir-Toa Payoh area, but the Ministry will continue to review healthcare needs.

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14 Jan 2013

Community Health Assist Scheme

Zainal Sapari asked whether CHAS could be extended to school-going children of eligible beneficiaries, how many appeals were received, and what grounds justify deviations from existing criteria for approval.
Gan Kim Yong stated that CHAS focuses on lower-income elderly with chronic conditions, was enhanced in 2012 to include those aged 40 and above with relaxed income criteria, and currently covers about 240,000 Singaporeans.
Between January and November 2012, around 530 appeals were assessed, with 80% approved based on case-by-case reviews considering factors like medical severity, job loss, or pay cuts; those ineligible can still seek subsidized care at polyclinics.

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14 Jan 2013

Addressing Manpower and Throughput Issues in Restructured Hospitals

The Ministry of Health collaborates with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-International to ensure restructured hospitals provide structured, quality specialist training through accredited residency programmes.
Training throughput has doubled, and MOH supports teaching faculty with funding for service backfill, additional administrative staff, and educational resources to meet accreditation standards.
MOH will continue working with Sponsoring Institutions to address manpower and capacity issues, ensuring consistent specialist training quality across hospitals.

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14 Jan 2013

Plain Packaging for Cigarette Packs

Gerald Giam asked whether Singapore plans to introduce plain packaging for cigarette packs, following Australia’s legislation.
Gan Kim Yong explained that Australia requires plain olive packaging with large health warnings to reduce tobacco marketing, but faces legal challenges over intellectual property and trade laws.
The Ministry of Health is monitoring global developments and effectiveness of plain packaging before considering it as part of Singapore’s multi-pronged tobacco control strategy.

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14 Jan 2013

Waiting Time for Admission to Elderly Homes

There are about 60 nursing homes in Singapore providing 9,000 beds, with around 500 seniors currently on the waiting list and an average waiting time of four months for admission.
The Ministry of Health is building more nursing homes, adding over 500 beds in 2013 and 3,300 more by 2016 through the development of 10 new facilities.
To manage demand, the ministry is expanding home- and community-based care services, aiming to double home healthcare capacity and triple home social care services by 2020 to support aging in place.

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14 Jan 2013

Reach of Community Health Assistance Scheme

Minister Gan Kim Yong reported that about 240,000 Singaporeans had signed up for CHAS by end-2012, with non-members still able to access subsidized care at polyclinics.
Applications typically receive CHAS cards within 15 working days if complete, though delays may occur, and applicants can check status via the CHAS hotline.
Agencies have promoted CHAS through media and grassroots efforts, with plans to intensify targeted outreach through CHAS champions, direct mailers, and neighborhood sign-up booths.

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14 Jan 2013

Community-Based Mental Health Plan

The Ministry of Health has established two Assessment and Shared Care Teams (ASCAT) to provide specialised mental health care in community clinics, with over 200 patients seen since August and October, and plans to expand to six teams by 2016.
Two Community Mental Health Intervention Teams (COMIT) have been set up to support GPs with mild to moderate cases, assisting over 80 patients so far, with plans for 10 teams by 2016 and a 24-hour helpline linking community partners to services.
For psychosis patients, IMH is developing the iPACE system for continuous engagement and monitoring, with community mental health teams conducting home visits and referrals to support agencies for rehabilitation and practical assistance.
The Agency for Integrated Care is coordinating with IMH, regional health systems, and social agencies to build an integrated mental health network for seamless care, especially for those without family support.

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14 Jan 2013

Overcrowding in Restructured Hospitals

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef inquired how MOH manages overcrowding and high bed occupancy in public hospitals while awaiting new healthcare facilities to become operational.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong outlined a multi-pronged strategy including right-siting care, discharging medically stable patients, transferring patients to step-down care, and using resources optimally.
Hospitals deploy inpatient teams to emergency departments, place subsidised patients in private wards temporarily, and transfer stable patients to hospitals with higher capacity to balance loads.
Short-term capacity measures include transition beds, renting private sector beds, and adding new beds via integrated buildings, with new hospitals like Ng Teng Fong General Hospital scheduled for completion by end-2014.
MOH closely monitors bed situations and ensures patient safety and timely care are not compromised while building long-term capacity.

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14 Jan 2013

Compensation for Medical Expenses for Servicemen Injured while On Duty

The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) provides comprehensive compensation for injured servicemen, covering all medical expenses, lump-sum payments based on disability severity (doubled for duty-related injuries), and additional grants for total permanent disability, along with redeployment and welfare support through the SAF Benevolent Fund.
Minister Ng Eng Hen emphasized that the compensation framework is more generous than the Work Injury Compensation Act and civil courts, with regular reviews, and confirmed that investigations into a specific Navy serviceman's injury do not affect his eligibility for full compensation.
The compensation scheme applies equally to all servicemen, including full-time NSmen and regulars, and includes an appeal board for queries, with the Minister noting that public support for injured personnel strengthens the armed forces' resolve.

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15 Nov 2012

Pay Increments for Healthcare Support Staff

The Minister for Health confirmed that pay increases for healthcare support staff in the intermediate and long-term care sector will be fully funded by the Government in FY2012 and FY2013, with continued subsidies under the normal framework thereafter.
The Government has allocated $110 million from 2012 to 2016 to improve productivity in the sector, aiming to sustain wage increases over time.
The Ministry will monitor costs to ensure ILTC services remain affordable and accessible to Singaporeans, addressing concerns about potential cost pass-through to patients.

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