Health

Elysa Chen raised concerns about the "cliff effect" for households just above the CHAS Orange subsidy threshold, which leads to increased healthcare costs despite small income differences. Chen also inquired about the percentage of patients in the $2,000 to $3,500 income range who face out-of-pocket expenses exceeding 10% of their household income for chronic disease management. Ong Ye Kung responded that the Ministry of Health does not track out-of-pocket costs in the requested way but monitors affordability through post-subsidy bills for CHAS tiers, indicating that CHAS Green cardholders incur relatively low annual post-subsidy costs. He explained that the Ministry balances subsidy levels and complexity in the design of subsidy tiers, which aim to provide targeted support while minimizing complications. Additionally, individuals exceeding the income thresholds may appeal for case-by-case assessments.

Elysa Chen asked about plans to review employer practices regarding mental health-related medical certificates and measures to prevent discrimination in employment. Tan See Leng stated that employers are required to accept valid medical certificates for both physical and mental health conditions as part of statutory sick leave. He emphasized the importance of patient confidentiality in medical certificates and noted that the upcoming Workplace Fairness Act will prohibit adverse employment decisions based on mental health conditions among other protections.

A national electronic records system is proposed to ensure safe and secure management of individual health information for improved physical and mental well-being. The initiative includes amendments to the Human Organ Transplant Act 1987. The proposal was presented by the Senior Minister of State for Health, Dr. Koh Poh Koon, and will be discussed further in a future parliamentary sitting.

• Sylvia Lim inquired about the government's support for teachers who suffer long-term injuries or disabilities from classroom incidents.
• Desmond Lee outlined that teachers can choose between coverage under the Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA) or the Civil Service's work injury provisions for medical expenses.
• Teachers covered under WICA are eligible for additional paid injury leave for up to one year and can use yearly medical benefits for long-term treatments beyond WICA limits.
• In cases of permanent incapacity, teachers can claim lump sum compensation under WICA, with revised compensation limits ranging from $116,000 to $346,000 for total permanent incapacity.
• Partial permanent incapacity compensation is prorated based on the teacher's income and age.

• Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat raised concerns about the current reporting structures for school counsellors, suggesting a review to enhance confidentiality and trust, including the possibility of counsellors reporting to a dedicated mental health body.
• He proposed that training on counselling ethics be provided for school principals to better support counsellors and maintain confidentiality.
• Tiong also emphasized the need for increasing the ratio of qualified professionals to students and safeguarding the autonomy of school counsellors.
• Desmond Lee responded that the Ministry of Education has established clear reporting structures and ethical standards for school counsellors to ensure confidentiality and accountability.
• The Ministry also provides additional support for schools with higher caseloads and ensures that severe cases are referred to external mental health professionals when necessary.

• Members of Parliament raised concerns about the work-life balance and mental well-being of educators, citing findings from the OECD Teaching and Learning International Survey 2024 that indicate teachers work an average of 47.3 hours per week.
• Questions were posed regarding the Ministry of Education's assessment of teachers' work-life balance compared to other public service sectors and the impact of sustained long working hours on teachers' mental health and family life.
• There were inquiries about how well-being data influences staffing, performance evaluation, and retention policies, as well as the potential implementation of protected rest-time policies for educators.
• The Minister for Education indicated that these issues have been addressed in previous discussions and reports regarding teachers' stress levels and support for their mental well-being.

• Ms. Gho Sze Kee proposed that the Ministry of Health collect data on lonely deaths to aid social agencies in planning interventions for vulnerable individuals.
• The Ministry of Health currently lacks data on the number of residents who die alone at home.
• The Ministry emphasizes the importance of outreach and befriending efforts to support seniors, particularly those living alone.
• Collaboration with community partners, including volunteers and grassroots advisers, is essential for effective intervention and support.

• Ms. Hazlina Abdul Halim inquired about the effectiveness and objectives of the Shared Stay-in Senior Care Services sandbox, particularly for seniors living alone.
• Minister Ong Ye Kung reported positive feedback from providers and clients regarding the effectiveness of the caregiving model in supporting seniors.
• The Shared Stay-in Senior Care Services sandbox, launched in 2023, aims to help seniors age in the community and will be mainstreamed by the end of 2025.
• The government plans to offer additional support to service providers, including increased foreign worker quotas and relaxed sourcing regulations.

• Melvin Yong Yik Chye inquired about the tracking of malnutrition rates among seniors in Singapore and requested data for the past five years.
• Ong Ye Kung responded that the question had been addressed previously in an oral reply on November 4, 2025.

• Mr. Ng Chee Meng inquired about the number of dementia patients in Singapore over the past five years and future projections as the country ages.
• In 2023, approximately 74,000 individuals were reported to be living with dementia in Singapore.
• Projections indicate that the number of dementia patients is expected to rise to 152,000 by the year 2030.

• Dr. Choo Pei Ling inquired about the number of appeal cases since the launch of CareShield Life in 2020, their success rate, and lessons learned for improving the assessment process.
• Minister Ong Ye Kung reported that there have been three appeal cases since 2020, all of which were unsuccessful.
• The Ministry of Health and the Agency for Integrated Care are actively reviewing and improving the assessment process and scheme administration based on feedback.
• Efforts to enhance convenience for applicants include increasing the number of assessors conducting house calls and streamlining the claims application process.

• Dr. Choo Pei Ling inquired about the demographics and causes of severe disability among active CareShield Life claimants and the preventive healthcare strategies in place.
• As of June 2025, there are 2,179 active claimants, with a significant portion being younger individuals, as CareShield Life was introduced in 2020 and is optional for those born in 1979 and earlier.
• The main causes of severe disability among claimants include strokes and accidents, while chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes also contribute to gradual onset disabilities.
• National initiatives such as Healthier SG and Age Well SG aim to promote healthy lifestyles and support seniors in managing their health to prevent severe disabilities and the need for long-term care.

• Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim proposed that younger Singaporeans under 40 with multiple chronic health conditions should be allowed to enroll in the Healthier SG Programme.
• He emphasized the importance of early intervention and holistic management for chronic diseases for long-term health benefits.
• Ong Ye Kung responded that the Healthier SG Programme is primarily for those aged 40 and above due to higher susceptibility to chronic illnesses in older age groups.
• He noted that younger individuals with chronic conditions receive care through regular follow-ups with primary care providers and can access subsidies and MediSave for treatment.