Health

• The debate focused on the training and certification processes for foreign recruits in the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) to enhance emergency medical services.
• Foreign-trained paramedics must be accredited by the Ministry of Health's Unit for Pre-hospital Emergency Care, which includes a five-week training course and additional SCDF-specific training.
• After initial training, recruits undergo on-the-job training for up to six months and must pass various certification tests, including the Paramedic Specialist Certification Test and the Ambulance Proficiency Test.
• Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) must complete recognized courses and pass the SCDF EMT Certification Test, along with an ambulance driving course, before deployment.
• All foreign hires are held to the same rigorous standards as local personnel, requiring annual certification and ongoing education.

• The Leader of the House acknowledged the end of the Committee of Supply and reflected on the challenges faced during the current parliamentary term, including the pandemic and global crises.
• The speech highlighted the significant fiscal measures taken through various Budgets to support public health, economic recovery, and social welfare, emphasizing the importance of these decisions for Singapore's future.
• The debate included discussions on the need for more support for workers and families, addressing cost-of-living concerns, and enhancing social safety nets in light of an aging population.
• The Speaker expressed gratitude for the contributions of all Members of Parliament and emphasized the importance of respectful discourse and the need to balance immediate support with long-term fiscal responsibility.
• As Singapore approaches its 60th year of independence, there is a call for unity and a commitment to adapt and navigate future uncertainties while ensuring progress for all citizens.

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Health about the percentage increases in prices over the past five years for various sexual health tests at public healthcare clinics. Ong Ye Kung responded that fees at public healthcare institutions are adjusted to reflect underlying costs, with subsidies applied afterwards. He noted that the Ministry of Health does not specifically track the fee trends for the mentioned tests over the past five years.

Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Health about collaboration with the Monetary Authority of Singapore to enhance safeguards and transparency for riders under Integrated Shield Plans, particularly regarding changes in coverage and premiums. Ong Ye Kung referred to previous parliamentary responses for details on disclosure requirements and measures monitoring the impact on policyholders' affordability and access to healthcare. The government ensures universal access to subsidized healthcare, supported by various funding mechanisms, while noting that Integrated Shield Plans and Riders are private products that can lead to over-coverage and escalating costs. The insurance industry has been urged to reconsider policy designs to address issues related to over-coverage and rising premiums.

Tan Wu Meng proposed a reduction in the budget for the Ministry of Health, advocating for reforms focused on right-siting healthcare closer to patients' homes, especially for those less mobile or terminally ill. He highlighted the importance of improved access to outpatient care, home medical services, and better financial support for treatments like fertility preservation for young cancer patients. Concerns were raised about the burden on junior doctors due to long working hours and suggested that coordination of care should be prioritized to alleviate stress on both patients and caregivers. Several MPs called for improved mental health services, regulations for psychologists, and enhanced funding for preventive healthcare initiatives, while the Minister for Health discussed plans for managing escalating healthcare costs and initiatives aimed at ensuring quality, affordability, and accessibility in Singapore’s healthcare system.

Yip Hon Weng asked about the assessment and potential expansion of influenza vaccination services by community pharmacists in retail pharmacies. Ong Ye Kung stated that the services were introduced as a pilot on October 28, 2024, and that the Ministry will review effectiveness and safety after six months, including feedback and any adverse reactions. A decision on the extension of the service to more locations will be made later in the year.

Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Health about protocols to prevent the cross-border spread of influenza, especially in high-traffic areas like airports, and inquired about potential enhancements to screening measures during significant outbreaks. Ong Ye Kung responded that while influenza is a year-round global concern, preventing its spread entirely would be economically costly for Singapore. He emphasized the importance of individual preventive measures, such as vaccination, good hygiene practices, and seeking medical attention when feeling unwell.

Louis Ng Kok Kwang requested data from the Minister for Health on how many couples used MediSave accounts for Assisted Conception Procedures over the past five years, categorized by different spending ranges. Ong Ye Kung indicated that a detailed breakdown of the utilization of the lifetime limit would be provided in a table.

Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Health about the updates to the pandemic preparedness plan for large-scale influenza outbreaks, including measures for managing sudden spikes in infections and ensuring adequate healthcare capacity. Dr. Janil Puthucheary explained that public awareness, updated vaccinations, and good hygiene practices are crucial. In response to surges, the government may distribute antivirals and utilize alternative care models for patients. Yip also inquired about enhancing influenza vaccination coverage among high-risk populations, to which Puthucheary emphasized the need for ongoing education and personal reminders for seniors about regular vaccinations.

Hazel Poa requested an update on the construction of hostel-like accommodations for foreign healthcare workers. Ong Ye Kung confirmed that the Ministry of Health and MOH Holdings are establishing these accommodations to assist foreign healthcare workers new to Singapore. By the end of March, there will be capacity to house approximately 2,000 occupants across five sites.

Hazel Poa asked about the medical specialties with the highest attrition rates at public hospitals since 2020 and what measures are in place to reduce these rates. Ong Ye Kung reported that attrition rates for specialists have varied between 1% and 7%, with smaller specialties experiencing more significant percentage changes. The Ministry is focusing on a long-term strategy to maintain a pipeline of new specialists and adapt training to the evolving healthcare needs. As the population ages, there is an increasing emphasis on training Family Physicians and Hospital Clinicians to provide integrated care rather than solely increasing the number of specialists.

Yip Hon Weng asked about measures to restore public confidence in the safety of ready-to-eat meals used in resilience programs and whether there would be public demonstrations or education on food safety measures. Grace Fu informed that the inquiry was addressed in a previous parliamentary sitting on March 4, 2025, where details about food safety and responses to a food poisoning incident were provided.

Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Health about plans to ensure accessibility and affordability of shingles vaccination for those not qualifying for subsidies and alternative preventive measures for seniors. Ong Ye Kung responded that subsidies will be available to Singaporeans and Permanent Residents who meet specific eligibility criteria linked to susceptibility to shingles. Those ineligible for subsidies are deemed less susceptible but can still receive the vaccine at a reduced price through CHAS general practitioner clinics or public healthcare institutions.

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Health about the possibility of direct subsidies for patients in the Pre-Implantation Genetic Screening (PGS) pilot program, rather than just funding the laboratory's operations and half the consumables costs. Ong Ye Kung replied that PGS is still in the pilot stage, and it is too early to consider subsidies until the program is fully evaluated for clinical and cost effectiveness. Meanwhile, pilot funding has been provided to make PGS more affordable for eligible patients.

Louis Ng Kok Kwang requested an update on the implementation of recommendations from the National Wellness Committee for Junior Doctors, specifically regarding Chief Wellness Officers, the Hospital Clinician Scheme, and Clusters pilot, as well as improvements in junior doctors' work hours. Dr. Janil Puthucheary reported that Chief Wellness Officers have been appointed across healthcare clusters, and the Hospital Clinician Scheme is operational in public hospitals with around 100 doctors participating. The Ministry of Health has also initiated pilots to enhance junior doctors' work hours, leading to the implementation of shift rosters and a limit on continuous working hours to no more than 24 hours in nearly half of all clinical departments.

Tan Wu Meng raised concerns regarding food poisoning symptoms in students from the School of the Arts who consumed ready-to-eat meals as part of the Total Defence activities, seeking clarity on the causes and necessary food safety studies. Yip Hon Weng questioned the vetting processes for suppliers and potential enhancements to food safety checks following the incident, while Dennis Tan Lip Fong inquired about the extent of contamination and penal actions against the food supplier, SATS. The Minister for Sustainability and the Environment provided updates on ongoing investigations, confirmed that no foodborne pathogens were found in tested samples, and emphasized the importance of reviewing safety processes and enhancing public trust in food safety regulations. The program is currently suspended pending further investigations, with assurances that the lessons learned will inform future food resilience efforts.