Health

He Ting Ru asked about the number of successful job placements made by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) Job Club each year and the employment status of these patients after probation and three years. Ong Ye Kung reported that from 2012 to 2024, the Job Club placed 1,722 patients in jobs, averaging 132 placements per year. Out of these placements, 46 patients remained in the same job for at least three years, while others may have switched jobs during that time.

Cai Yinzhou asked for statistics on land-based medical repatriations of Singapore citizens in critical care from Malaysia since 2022, including total numbers and average waiting times. Ong Ye Kung responded that the Ministry of Health does not track cross-border ambulance transfers or their waiting times. The Ministry is assessing the feasibility of an accreditation scheme for foreign private ambulance operators.

David Hoe asked about the number of parties seeking endorsement from the Health Promotion Board (HPB) under the Healthier Food Donation Recommendation (HFDR) and its certification status, as well as HPB's plans to raise awareness of the HFDR due to rising malnutrition among seniors. Ong Ye Kung explained that while HPB does not require endorsement for donation packs, it provides guidance on healthier food selection to promote a balanced diet. HPB encourages donors to include nutritious items while limiting discretionary foods high in sodium, saturated fat, and sugar.

Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked about the average number of Peer Support Leaders (PSLs) trained in each school and the training they receive for mental health support. Desmond Lee explained that about 5% of students are trained as PSLs using resources from the Ministry of Education, which covers skills like active listening and empathy. Schools regularly check in with PSLs to share practices and address concerns, though training may vary based on the specific needs of the students at different schools.

Hamid Razak asked about proactive measures the Ministry of Health is taking in response to an early surge in influenza cases, focusing on vaccination, protection for vulnerable groups, and hospital strain management. Ong Ye Kung affirmed that the rise in influenza cases since August 2025 is expected, and the Ministry collaborates with primary care providers to promote routine vaccination, especially for vulnerable populations. The Ministry also engages nursing homes to ensure residents receive vaccinations and employs alternative care models, like Mobile Inpatient Care at Home and Transitional Care Facilities, to alleviate potential hospital strain during surges.

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim questioned the criteria for accrediting clinics for MediSave claims for mental health treatments under the Chronic Diseases Management Programme (CDMP) and the possibility of allowing one-off claims for non-CDMP mental health treatments. Ong Ye Kung responded that General Practitioners (GPs) must participate in the Mental Health General Practitioner Partnership (MHGPP) programme to be accredited for MediSave claims, ensuring they have the requisite training for managing mental health conditions. Treatments for mental health conditions outside of the CDMP are not eligible for MediSave claims, but patients can receive significant subsidies at polyclinics and outpatient clinics, and those aged 60 and above can use Flexi-MediSave for such treatments.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked whether polyclinic dental services could expand to include dentures and if MediSave rules on denture claims could be reviewed. Ong Ye Kung responded that polyclinics already offer denture services but complex cases are referred to tertiary institutions. He noted recent increases in subsidies for root canal treatments and crowns, with MediSave use planned for patients over 60 in 2026. The Ministry will continue reviewing MediSave coverage to balance affordability with future healthcare needs.

Hamid Razak asked about the total amount and number of unpaid medical bills incurred by Work Permit and S Pass holders in public healthcare institutions over the past three years, as well as measures to ensure timely payment. Tan See Leng revealed that, from 2022 to 2024, there was an average of 19 substantiated cases of unpaid medical bills annually, amounting to about $12,000 per case. The Ministry of Manpower reminds employers of their financial responsibilities, and enforcement actions are taken against non-compliant employers. The minimum mandatory medical insurance coverage for these workers was increased from $15,000 to $60,000 to cover most medical expenses, and starting from July 2025, insurers must make direct payments to hospitals for claims.

Nadia Ahmad Samdin raised concerns about the waiting times for children and youths seeking mental health support through the Youth Integrated Team and CREST-Youth, as well as the possibility of lowering the age limit for these services. Ong Ye Kung responded that the median waiting time for mental health intervention is about a week for youths aged 12 to 25. Primary school children needing specialized help for addictions can be referred to REACH teams or attend counseling programs offered by community service providers. Education on healthy lifestyle habits and cyber wellness is emphasized in schools to address issues related to digital exposure and technology use among children.

Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked about the treatment framework and duration for individuals seeking support for vape addiction under the National Addictions Management Service and the possibility of scheduling flexibility for consistent treatment. Ong Ye Kung stated that the government is enforcing strict measures against etomidate abuse, which is harmful to individuals and their families. He emphasized that young people often start abusing etomidate through peer influence and are being offered a chance to seek help without penalties. However, treatment appointments will depend on the availability of National Addictions Management Service professionals rather than individual convenience.

Eileen Chong Pei Shan asked about the usage statistics and evaluation of the Well-Being@Gov programme for public officers. Chan Chun Sing reported that over 100 agencies have adopted the programme since its launch in March 2024, with about 10% of users actively utilizing the app monthly. On average, officers using coaching and counselling services spend 2.5 hours on coaching and five hours on counselling. The programme's effectiveness is assessed through user satisfaction surveys and usage analytics, with positive feedback. Additionally, there are around 1,800 Well-being Ambassadors promoting mental health support within the Public Service.

Assoc Prof Jamus Lim asked whether the Ministry of Health tracks and issues guidelines on listed prices for subsidised procedures at public hospitals, considering the focus on reducing insurance riders. Ong Ye Kung responded that the Ministry provides broad guidance to public healthcare institutions on setting fees to recover operating costs after subsidies. Hospital billing information for procedures is published on the Ministry's website. He clarified that Integrated Shield Plans and riders are primarily for private healthcare and have minimal impact on public healthcare services.

Nadia Ahmad Samdin sought updates on the job fit assessment and referral framework by the National Council of Social Service aimed at supporting jobseekers with mental health conditions. Dr. Koh Poh Koon responded that a referral framework will be established by 2026, in collaboration with employment support agencies, to provide customized employment assistance. He emphasized that the framework will address a wide spectrum of mental health conditions and will ensure support is tailored to individual needs, which may include vocational training. The duration of support will also be individualized, reflecting the varying conditions and needs of each person seeking employment.

Ang Wei Neng asked about the effectiveness of the Nutri-Grade labelling system in reducing consumption of pre-packaged foods high in sugar and saturated fat and inquired about potential advertising restrictions similar to those in the UK. The Minister of State for Health reported that Nutri-Grade measures applied to beverages have resulted in a decrease in median sugar levels and average daily sugar intake among residents. Encouraging results were noted, with median sugar levels in beverages dropping from 7.1% in 2017 to 4.6% in 2023. Plans to extend Nutri-Grade measures to foods high in sodium and saturated fat will be implemented from mid-2027, with advertising prohibitions on graded products being considered. The ministry will continue to monitor the situation before deciding on further actions.