Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

8 Apr 2025

Data on Workers Performing Night or Rotating Shift Work, and Those Affected By Shift Work Sleep Disorder

Ms. See Jinli Jean inquired about data on the proportion of workers performing night or rotating shifts and the prevalence of Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD) among them.
The Ministry of Manpower reported that approximately 8% of full-time resident and non-resident employees engaged in shift work, but does not track SWSD due to its absence in international guidelines.
Factors influencing sleep quality include work conditions and personal lifestyle choices, necessitating both employer and employee efforts to prevent SWSD.
The Ministry supports employers in implementing measures to mitigate health risks associated with shift work, including guidelines for fatigue risk management and workplace accommodations.

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8 Apr 2025

Meeting Healthcare Needs of Older Work Permit Holders

The debate focused on the healthcare needs of older work permit holders following the removal of the maximum employment period and increased age limit for these workers.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) emphasized its commitment to providing adequate healthcare for work permit holders, including mandatory primary care plans for certain sectors and optional plans for others.
Employers are required to purchase medical insurance for work permit holders, with specific coverage limits for inpatient care and day surgery, and compensation for work-related injuries.
MOM promotes health literacy and preventive health measures among migrant workers, including age-friendly workplace practices and health programs like Project MOCCA.
The Ministry will continue to review and adapt healthcare initiatives to meet the evolving needs of older work permit holders.

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8 Apr 2025

Complaints about Clinical Services Provided by Mental Health Professionals

The Ministry of Health received fewer than 20 complaints about mental health services since 2022, primarily concerning quality of care, professional standards, and clinical competency.
Members of the public can provide feedback on mental health professionals through various professional boards and associations, including the Singapore Medical Council and the Singapore Nursing Board.
The Healthcare Services Act regulates mental health services to ensure patient safety and welfare, allowing the public to report issues to the Ministry of Health.

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8 Apr 2025

Alleged Breaches of Advertising Controls in Healthcare Services Act

Ms. He Ting Ru inquired about the number of reports regarding breaches of advertising controls under the Healthcare Services Act and their referral for further action.
The advertising controls under the Healthcare Services Act came into effect on June 26, 2023, targeting non-licensed healthcare providers and non-registered professionals.
These controls prohibit misleading advertising, including the use of the title "Doctor" by non-registered healthcare professionals.
The Ministry of Health has received 34 complaints about alleged breaches, none of which involved mental health practitioners.

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8 Apr 2025

Strengthening Public Education on National Insurance Schemes Such As ElderShield and CareShield Life

Dr. Wan Rizal raised concerns about misinformation regarding ElderShield and CareShield Life, particularly affecting seniors, and asked the Ministry of Health (MOH) for steps to enhance public education and communication.
The MOH has been utilizing both digital and traditional media to educate the public about national insurance schemes, tailoring messages for different demographic groups.
The Ministry engages with seniors through trusted community organizations to provide clear explanations of the schemes and collaborates with insurers and financial advisors for better understanding.
Despite efforts, misinformation continues to spread, and the MOH aims to counter it by issuing clarifications through various platforms and encouraging the public to verify information from authoritative sources.

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8 Apr 2025

Lifting Age Cap in Matched MediSave Scheme for Individuals Who Can Continue with MediSave Contributions

Ms. See Jinli Jean proposed lifting the age cap of the Matched MediSave Scheme for individuals aged 71 and above who continue to contribute to their MediSave accounts.
Minister Ong Ye Kung explained that the scheme currently targets individuals aged 55 to 70, as they have less access to healthcare benefits compared to those aged 71 and above.
The Ministry of Health plans to review the scheme's parameters at the end of its five-year pilot phase to consider potential adjustments.

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8 Apr 2025

Supporting Kindergarten Children with Possible Developmental Needs when Parents Decline Assessment for Early Intervention

Mr. Louis Ng Kok Kwang inquired about the support provided to kindergarten children with potential developmental needs when parents refuse assessment for early intervention.
Minister Masagos Zulkifli emphasized the importance of formal assessment by a paediatrician to determine the necessary early intervention support for children.
The decision to allow assessment and enrollment in early intervention programs lies with the parents, who are encouraged to participate for the benefit of their child and family.

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8 Apr 2025

Data on Teachers Who Sought Counselling Services

Louis Ng Kok Kwang inquired about the number of teachers seeking counselling services in FY2022 and FY2023, specifically from the Ministry's in-house services and the whole-of-Government hotline.
Chan Chun Sing reported that approximately 60 teachers used the Ministry of Education's in-house counselling services each year in 2022 and 2023.
He also noted that around 90 MOE staff utilized the whole-of-Government counselling hotline annually during the same period.
Teachers have access to additional well-being resources, including online platforms and wellness programmes organized by the MOE.
The MOE provides peer support through designated wellness ambassadors in schools.

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8 Apr 2025

Utilising Portion of Foreign Worker Levy Revenue for Fund to Improve Migrant Worker Safety and Well-being

Mr. Ong Hua Han proposed using a portion of foreign worker levy revenue to create a fund aimed at enhancing the safety and well-being of migrant workers.
Minister Tan See Leng responded that the government consolidates revenue across ministries and allocates funds based on merit, already directing resources towards migrant worker initiatives.
The Ministry of Manpower has established programs and partnerships, including recreation centers and support from NGOs, to improve migrant workers' safety and mental well-being.
The government encourages a collaborative approach, urging employers to take responsibility for providing safe and healthy work environments for migrant workers.

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8 Apr 2025

Reviewing HPV Vaccination Policy to Enhance Public Awareness and Extend Coverage to Include Males

Mr. Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim inquired about the Ministry of Health's review of HPV vaccination policies, specifically regarding public awareness and vaccination for men.
He suggested increasing awareness of HPV among men and extending vaccination subsidies to include males, as HPV affects both genders.
Minister Ong Ye Kung responded that the incidence of anal cancer in males is significantly lower than cervical cancer in females, making male HPV vaccination less cost-effective at the population level.
Consequently, HPV vaccination for males is not included in the national immunization schedules, and subsidies do not apply to them.

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8 Apr 2025

Number of Doctor Visits Per Worker and Other Assumptions Considered in Pricing of Companies' Primary Care Plans

The Primary Care Plan (PCP) offers cost certainty for employers while providing essential medical services to migrant workers, including consultations, basic medication, and health screenings.
On average, migrant workers utilize the PCP for medical care about 12% of the time, equating to one to two visits per year, which aligns with initial projections.
The PCP is currently underutilized for annual health screenings and chronic care management, despite high satisfaction rates among migrant workers and significant cost savings for employers.
A study indicated that 88% of migrant workers are willing to use the PCP due to its affordability and accessibility, with positive feedback from both workers and employers regarding its effectiveness.
The Ministry of Manpower plans to continue engaging with stakeholders to promote early care seeking and preventive health measures.

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8 Apr 2025

Transfer of Patient Health Records from National Healthcare Group to SingHealth Group Entities

Ms. Denise Phua Lay Peng inquired about the seamless transfer of patient health records from the National Healthcare Group to SingHealth Group entities.
Minister Ong Ye Kung responded that Public Healthcare Institutions have established protocols to ensure patient safety and continuity of care during transfers.
He emphasized that medical information, including patient conditions and prior treatments, is documented and shared with the receiving institution.

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8 Apr 2025

Long-term Strategies to Ensure Healthcare Cost Containment and Reduction of Unnecessary Medical Tests

The debate focused on long-term strategies for healthcare cost containment and the reduction of unnecessary medical tests in Singapore.
Questions were raised about the government's plans beyond annual premium adjustments and fee controls, as well as the assessment of unnecessary medical services contributing to rising costs.
The Ministry of Health highlighted strategies such as Health Technology Assessments, value-driven care programs, and community-based healthcare initiatives to manage costs and improve health outcomes.
Measures include publishing fee benchmarks for procedures, monitoring inappropriate claims, and maintaining a balance of subsidies and patient co-payments to keep healthcare affordable.
Singapore's national healthcare spending remains below 5% of GDP, significantly lower than many developed countries, indicating effective cost management.

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8 Apr 2025

Efforts to Tackle Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders

The Minister for Manpower was asked about plans to enhance surveillance and prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, which are the second most reported occupational disease in Singapore from 2022 to 2024.
The Ministry aims to improve detection and prevention by raising awareness among employers, employees, and the medical community, and is collaborating with the Ministry of Health for better reporting of these disorders.
Identifying the origins of musculoskeletal disorders is challenging, but the Ministry will continue to monitor cases and tailor interventions for high-risk sectors.
Resources and guidelines will be provided to support ergonomic practices, including training programs and codes of practice for manual handling and office ergonomics.
Prevention requires collaboration between employers and workers, emphasizing the need for proper work processes and individual responsibility in practicing good ergonomics.

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8 Apr 2025

Social Residential Homes Bill

The Social Residential Homes Bill aims to enhance the quality of care and safety for residents in social residential homes, consolidating existing licensing regimes and introducing new standards and enforcement measures.
The Bill addresses the growing demand for residential care due to an aging population, with plans to ensure sufficient capacity and staffing in homes while also providing a $33 million Transition Support Package to assist homes in meeting new requirements.
Concerns were raised about the significant increase in penalties for non-compliance, the need for minimum staffing ratios, and the potential impact on volunteer board members, with calls for clarity on responsibilities and liabilities.
The introduction of a Board of Visitors is intended to provide independent oversight and feedback mechanisms for residents and their families, promoting transparency and accountability in care standards.
Overall, the Bill reflects a commitment to improving care for vulnerable populations in Singapore, with ongoing discussions about the need for long-term support and capability building for social residential homes.

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8 Apr 2025

Managing Prison Inmates with Dementia and Supporting Their Re-integration into Society

Inmates with dementia face challenges similar to those in the community, including difficulties with memory, communication, and daily tasks, which the Singapore Prison Service addresses through tailored support and medical care.
The Singapore Prison Service provides specialist medical care for inmates with dementia and offers family support through Family Resource Centres, while also facilitating referrals to nursing homes for those lacking family support upon release.
Usha Chandradas proposed the establishment of a dedicated dementia ward in prisons, highlighting the increasing prevalence of dementia in an aging society and suggesting a model similar to assisted living cells for physical impairments.
The Minister of State assured that needs assessments are conducted for all incoming inmates, including evaluations of medical needs and security risks, and emphasized the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
The Ministry conducts regular assessments of in-prison support systems for inmates with dementia and is committed to ongoing care and rehabilitation efforts for this vulnerable population.

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8 Apr 2025

Subsidies on Maternity Fees and Other Medical Bills for Foreigners who are Mothers or Relatives of Singapore Citizens

The debate focused on the issue of subsidies for maternity fees and medical bills for foreign mothers or relatives of Singapore citizens, with questions raised about the extent of support available.
Concerns were expressed regarding the financial burden on Singaporeans when foreign relatives or spouses incur medical costs, and whether mandatory health insurance for long-term visitors should be considered.
The Minister of State for Health clarified that most foreign spouses of Singapore citizens are Permanent Residents or holders of Long-Term Visit Pass-Plus, who receive the same subsidies as citizens for maternity care.
There was acknowledgment of a small percentage of foreign mothers giving birth to Singaporean children who do not hold PR or LTVP+, prompting calls for a review of support for this group.
The Ministry will continue to assess the situation and explore ways to provide assistance to foreign mothers facing high delivery costs, while emphasizing the importance of existing policies.

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10 Mar 2025

Effectiveness of Existing Mental Wellness Resources in Helping SMEs Foster Mentally Healthy Workplaces

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) assesses the effectiveness of mental wellness resources through tracking adoption rates and employee feedback on work stress and burnout.
Over 90% of surveyed firms have implemented at least one mental well-being initiative, indicating a positive uptake of available resources.
MOM collaborates with various organizations to provide resources like iWorkHealth and the Total WSH Programme, which offer tools and workshops for SMEs to support mental well-being.
The Well-being Champions Network facilitates the exchange of best practices among over 700 individuals from 450 organizations, benefiting a workforce of 230,000 employees.
MOM plans to continue promoting these initiatives and will regularly review and enhance the programs based on stakeholder feedback and effectiveness.

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10 Mar 2025

Arrangements Beyond Use of CDA to Ensure Teenagers Can Afford Eye-care and Eyewear to Prevent High Myopia

Ms. See Jinli Jean raised concerns about the affordability of eye-care and eyewear for teenagers, suggesting the need for arrangements beyond the Child Development Account to support families.
The Minister for Health, Ong Ye Kung, highlighted that atropine eye drops are the primary method for myopia prevention, with significant subsidies available for those treated in public healthcare.
He noted that while atropine eye drops are subsidized, myopia-control glasses and contact lenses are mainly provided in retail settings and do not receive similar subsidies.

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10 Mar 2025

Inclusion of Sexual Health Testing in Nationally Recommended Health Screenings under Healthier SG

Louis Ng Kok Kwang inquired about the possibility of including sexual health testing in the nationally recommended health screenings under Healthier SG.
He specifically asked which types of sexually transmitted infections would be included if such testing were to be added.
Minister Ong Ye Kung responded that there are currently no plans to expand the national subsidized screenings to include sexually transmitted infections.

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