Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

14 Nov 2012

Cost of Treatment for Babies with Congenital Diseases

Christopher de Souza asked the Ministry of Health to consider subsidising healthcare costs for babies with congenital disorders and expanding MediShield coverage to include such conditions for babies.
Gan Kim Yong responded that Singaporeans already receive up to 80% subsidies for subsidised treatment in public hospitals and can apply for financial assistance like Medifund if needed, with cumulative costs considered in eligibility assessments.
The Ministry is conducting a broader review on supporting parents' healthcare needs, including considering extending MediShield to congenital conditions as part of discussions on marriage, parenthood, and the "Our Singapore Conversation" initiative.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Nov 2012

Extension of Advertising Ban for Unhealthy Food

Ms Faizah Jamal asked whether the advertising ban for unhealthy food would extend to banning fizzy drink vending machines in schools.
Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that guidelines already exist under the Healthy Eating in Schools Programme, requiring vending machines in participating schools to offer drinks with the Healthier Choice Symbol, which have lower sugar content.
The Ministry provides schools with healthier food service guidelines and encourages the installation of water coolers to promote water consumption over sugary drinks.
The Ministry plans to strengthen efforts with schools to encourage students to choose water instead of sweetened beverages.
The Ministry will continue to study and review initiatives, including the presence of vending machines offering sugared drinks, to ensure they remain effective in promoting healthier habits.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Nov 2012

Age-related Fertility Decline

The Ministry of Health acknowledges public awareness of age-related fertility decline and works with agencies to educate Singaporeans, including youths in tertiary institutions, through talks, workshops, and media to encourage earlier marriage and parenthood.
The Women’s Health Advisory Committee’s scope could be expanded to include sub-fertility issues as part of a holistic women’s health programme, complementing broader parenthood promotion efforts.
The government currently allows egg-freezing only for medical reasons and is reviewing the medical, scientific, and ethical implications of social egg-freezing, noting risks, limited data on long-term outcomes, and potential social misconceptions.
Egg-freezing is not considered a foolproof solution, and natural child-bearing within marriage while young is still encouraged, with the minister noting that age-related fertility issues affect both men and women.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Nov 2012

Encouraging Elderly Singaporeans to Sign on for MediShield

The Ministry of Health announced the removal of the maximum entry age for MediShield and plans outreach efforts, including public talks and community networks, to encourage uninsured elderly Singaporeans to enroll.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong explained that high uninsurance rates among the elderly (76-85) are due to factors like existing insurance, pre-existing conditions, and the limitations of risk-pooling, while highlighting alternative support through subsidies, Medisave top-ups, and Medifund Silver.
Lam Pin Min raised questions about adjusting Medisave limits for higher premiums for those above 85 and an update on MediShield coverage for congenital diseases, with the Minister confirming reviews on affordability and ongoing discussions for future healthcare protections.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Nov 2012

Babies with Neonatal or Congenital Conditions

About 1,000 newborns are born with congenital anomalies annually, and around 5,000 have serious neonatal conditions each year.
Government subsidies of up to 80% are available for treatments at public hospitals, with additional support through Medifund for families facing financial difficulties.
Medifund provided $5.0 million in 2010 and $5.3 million in 2011 for patients aged 16 and below, though specific expenditure on congenital and neonatal conditions is not tracked.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Nov 2012

Government Subsidy for Reversal of Ligation or Sexual Sterilisation

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef inquired about the criteria for government subsidy for the reversal of ligation or sexual sterilisation.
The Minister for Health, Gan Kim Yong, responded that subsidies are currently not provided for such reversals.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Nov 2012

Cellphone Radiation As Carcinogen Risk

Ms Tan Su Shan asked the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources about the WHO's classification of cellphone radiation as a possible carcinogen and whether Singapore would study Taiwan's action to limit cellphone usage by students.
Minister Vivian Balakrishnan noted that the WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer classified radiofrequency fields as possibly carcinogenic in 2011, calling for further research and precautionary measures.
He referenced a 2012 UK study that found no convincing evidence of harm below guideline levels but recommended a precautionary approach, especially for children, and suggested practical steps to reduce exposure.
The minister confirmed that Singapore's mobile phone radiation levels comply with international standards and the National Environment Agency monitors developments and collaborates with health authorities on new findings.
The government did not announce any plans to adopt Taiwan's approach, focusing instead on current regulations and ongoing scientific evaluation.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Nov 2012

Medisave Top-ups for Patients in Class C and B2 Wards

Gerald Giam asked if the Government could provide more help for Class C and B2 patients facing higher MediShield deductibles of $1,500 and $2,000 from March 2013, beyond existing one-off Medisave top-ups.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong explained that MediShield is a catastrophic insurance scheme, and the deductible increases aim to keep premiums affordable while enhancing coverage limits; existing support includes one-off top-ups, annual GST Voucher top-ups for seniors, and Workfare Income Supplement payouts in Medisave.
Giam noted that Medisave top-ups are for premium increases, not deductibles, and asked if Medifund provisions could be increased to help patients who cannot afford deductibles.
Gan clarified that the annual GST Voucher top-ups can also cover deductibles and bills, and highlighted the recent $600 million Medifund top-up to assist needy patients with healthcare costs, including deductibles.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Nov 2012

Care for Persons with Mental Disabilities

The criteria for admitting persons with mental disabilities to IMH and Government hospitals are based on clinical assessments, with involuntary admissions governed by the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Act 2008 for those posing a risk to themselves or others.
Treatment costs are covered under the 3M healthcare financing framework, MediShield (which is being expanded for psychiatric conditions), and Medifund for financial assistance.
IMH and public hospitals currently have sufficient capacity, with about 2,000 dedicated mental health beds and an 80% average occupancy rate at IMH.
The Ministry is strengthening mental health services through community-based initiatives such as Assessment and Shared Care Teams, Community Mental Health Intervention Teams, and a helpline with a mobile response team.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Nov 2012

Extending Coverage of Community Health Assist Scheme

The Ministry of Health has enhanced the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) by lowering the age criterion to 40 and relaxing income criteria, leading to a 20% increase in participating clinics and a seven-fold rise in cardholders.
The Minister reported that 31,000 patients used CHAS in the first half of the year, reducing potential polyclinic visits, and the government has disbursed $8 million in subsidies with a budget to accommodate more claims.
Concerns were raised about excluding Singaporeans living in private properties with an annual value over $13,000; the Ministry stated it reviews borderline cases individually and encourages MPs to flag deserving cases.
Some GPs are not participating due to perceived low patient volume and administrative burden, but the Ministry is working to achieve a more even distribution of clinics across constituencies.
The government will continue engaging clinics and the public to raise awareness and will review the scheme’s effectiveness before considering further extensions, such as to patients below 40.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

16 Oct 2012

Waiting Time for Appointment Slots at Polyclinics

Mr Baey Yam Keng asked the Ministry of Health for the percentage of patients at polyclinics who waited over 14, 21, or 30 days for general medical and dental appointments over the last five years and what measures are in place to reduce wait times.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong explained that general medical services are mostly walk-in, while appointments for screenings, immunisations, and chronic conditions are typically seen within one to two weeks; dental services are appointment-only, with emergency cases seen same day and routine services within about 1.5 months, but polyclinics do not track wait times by the specific days requested.
He noted a 30% increase in demand for basic dental services over two to three years and said polyclinics use phone triaging to prioritize urgent treatments, while Singaporeans can also access subsidised care at private clinics through the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS).
The Ministry will continue reviewing primary care services to ensure all Singaporeans, especially the less privileged and elderly, have access to good and affordable medical and dental care.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

16 Oct 2012

Voluntary Sterilization (Amendment) Bill

The Voluntary Sterilization Act is being updated to align with the Mental Capacity Act and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ensuring that individuals with mental capacity give their own consent and removing discriminatory provisions.
For persons lacking mental capacity, a court order is now required to approve sterilization, ensuring decisions are made in the person's best interests with judicial oversight.
The amendment removes outdated requirements for ministerial approval of institutions and expands the list of qualified medical practitioners, while increasing penalties for unauthorized disclosure of confidential information and coercion.
Concerns were raised about the lack of court approval for minors under 21 seeking sterilization, but the Minister explained existing safeguards, including consent from the minor and a guardian, doctor certification, and hospital ethics committee review.
The debate highlighted the need for continued education, support for caregivers, and ensuring that sterilization is not seen as a convenience but as a decision made in the best interests of the individual.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Oct 2012

Mental Wellness Programmes in Schools and Junior Colleges

The Ministry of Education promotes student mental well-being through a supportive school environment, social and emotional skills training, and a balanced curriculum, using resources like the Mind Your Mind education package.
Schools identify students with potential mental health issues through form teachers and school counsellors, with more complex cases referred to the REACH team for professional assessment and community-based interventions.
In the 2011–12 period, REACH assessed 250 students (0.05% of the population) for specialized care and directly supported another 250 students, providing therapies and linking them with community partners for treatment.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Oct 2012

Measures to Tackle Emotional Distress and Depression

Health Minister Gan Kim Yong reported a rise in attempted suicides from 706 in 2007 to 992 in 2011, while completed suicides declined after adjusting for population aging, prompting a multi-agency strategy to build resilience, target high-risk groups, and increase mental health awareness.
The government’s approach includes teaching students to set realistic goals and seek help, providing social support for the elderly through community services, and offering crisis interventions and follow-up care in hospitals for suicide attempters.
Efforts under the National Mental Health Blueprint feature programmes by the Health Promotion Board to promote mental wellbeing, and improved community access via services like IMH’s community mental health teams, a 24-hour hotline, and GP partnerships.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Oct 2012

Measures to Tackle Smoking Problems of Young People

The government has seen a decline in youth smoking rates, with student smokers dropping from 11% in 2000 to 6% in 2009, and anti-smoking programmes have raised awareness of health risks among most youth.
A multi-pronged approach involving legislation, health promotion, and education across agencies like the Ministry of Education and Health Sciences Authority is being used to denormalize tobacco use and support smoke-free living.
Efforts include integrating anti-smoking messages into school curricula, community initiatives like "Live it Up Without Lighting Up," and increasing smoking cessation services for youth in schools, clinics, and National Service.
Enforcement actions are taken against retailers selling tobacco to minors and smoking in public places, while families and communities are encouraged to support young people in living smoke-free lives.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Oct 2012

Use of Medisave Funds for Diagnostic Scans

David Ong asked the Ministry of Health to consider lifting the $600 cap on Medisave use for cancer patients' follow-up diagnostic scans.
Gan Kim Yong explained that Medisave is mainly for hospitalisation but has been extended to cover outpatient diagnostic scans for cancer treatment up to $600 annually.
The $600 limit is sufficient for about 95% of cancer patients in government hospitals and covers scans for over four in five patients.
The government balances higher limits against risks of cost escalation and over-consumption, especially in private settings, and advises patients facing difficulties to seek assistance like Medifund.
The Ministry will continue monitoring Medisave withdrawal limits to ensure they help Singaporeans manage healthcare costs.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Oct 2012

Shisha Smoking

Ms Denise Phua inquired about the health impacts of shisha smoking, the number of licensed shisha businesses, and enforcement of indoor smoking regulations.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong confirmed that shisha smoking impairs lung function similarly to cigarette smoking, with 43 licensed tobacco retail outlets selling shisha, and educational campaigns targeting young adults.
The National Environment Agency conducts routine checks and issued over 60 summonses for smoking regulation infringements, with no distinction between shisha and other tobacco products.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Oct 2012

Medisave for Prostate Illnesses

Gan Thiam Poh asked whether Medisave could be used for prostate illness treatment under the Chronic Disease Management Programme due to its rising prevalence among male Singaporeans.
The Ministry of Health explained that Medisave is primarily for hospitalisation costs but has been extended to outpatient treatment for 10 common chronic diseases under CDMP since 2006.
The Ministry outlined criteria for including diseases in CDMP: high prevalence, long-term financial burden, and established disease management protocols.
Prostate conditions like cancer are already covered for surgery or hormone therapy, while milder cases like BPH are treated with subsidised medication.
The Ministry regularly reviews CDMP to balance affordability for chronic conditions with preserving Medisave balances.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Oct 2012

Medical Benefits for Civil Servants Given Increasing Medical Costs

Yeo Guat Kwang asked whether medical benefits for civil servants will be adjusted for rising medical costs, including raising the 1980 dental subsidy cap of $70 and enhancing the $350 annual cap for outpatient treatment.
Teo Chee Hean responded that the Public Service Division is reviewing civil service medical benefits, benchmarking them against the market to assess sufficiency.
The review is expected to be completed by the end of the year, with adjustments to be made if necessary.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

11 Sep 2012

Extension of Consultation Period for Voluntary Sterilization Act

Denise Phua asked whether the Ministry would extend the four-week public consultation period for the Voluntary Sterilization Act amendments or conduct focus group discussions with key stakeholders, including families and advocacy groups for the vulnerable.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong explained that the Ministry already sought inputs from the public and interested parties between May and July 2012 via websites and media, and met with various groups including medical practitioners.
The Minister stated that feedback was generally supportive of the amendments, which aim to return autonomy to persons with mental capacity, and that the consultation period was not extended as feedback channels remain open.
He noted that feedback was used to refine the proposed amendments, including strengthening protections for vulnerable members of society.
The amendments are part of a bill introduced in Parliament and also facilitate Singapore’s accession to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source