Health

• The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) received approximately 4,000 to 5,000 vaping-related cases from the Police over the past two years, with only one case involving a parent referral.
• Parents concerned about their children's vaping can contact the Health Promotion Board (HPB) for support and counseling, with no enforcement action taken against the children.
• There are concerns that the current approach may discourage parents from seeking help for their children, as evidenced by a case where a child was fined after being reported to the Police by their parents.
• The Minister of State for Health emphasized the importance of a nuanced approach to such cases, encouraging parents to use the HPB hotline for assistance rather than reporting to the Police.
• The HPB provides support for vaping cessation similar to its smoking cessation services, allowing individuals to seek help voluntarily.

Neil Parekh Nimil Rajnikant raised concerns about how recent changes to Integrated Shield Plans (IPs) by insurers have impacted policyholders' out-of-pocket expenses and access to healthcare. Ong Ye Kung assured that the government guarantees subsidized healthcare in public hospitals through various schemes. He noted that IPs are private products that insurers regularly update based on commercial considerations and emphasized that the Ministry of Health expects insurers to protect their policyholders' interests. Ong highlighted a rise in IP and Rider premiums, attributing this to increased claims due to comprehensive coverage, and stated that the Ministry will continue to provide information to help consumers assess their insurance choices.

Hazel Poa asked about the median waiting times for outpatient specialist appointments at public hospitals in 2024 for subsidised and private-paying patients. Ong Ye Kung reported that the median wait times are 35 days for subsidised patients and 12 days for private-paying patients. He emphasized that these wait times are median figures and that the urgency of medical conditions is the primary factor in prioritizing referrals, with urgent cases receiving earlier appointments regardless of payment status.

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Health about changes in the average and median nurse-to-patient ratios for general wards and intensive care units in public acute hospitals over the past three years. Ong Ye Kung stated that the average nurse-to-patient ratio for general wards remains at approximately one nurse for every four to five patients. In the Intensive Care Units, the ratio is approximately one nurse for every two ICU patients, varying based on case complexity.

Hazel Poa asked about the protocol for verifying patient identities in hospitals when individuals lack identification. Ong Ye Kung responded that public hospitals typically use photo identification, such as NRICs or Singpass, for verification. In emergencies, patients are assigned a temporary unique identifier for immediate care, and their records are updated later when identification is provided by family members.

Hazel Poa questioned the Minister for Health about the $10,000 cost for rectifying a patient’s identity error at the National University Hospital and requested data on similar cases in the past five years. Ong Ye Kung explained that the patient misrepresented his identity, leading to a mistake in data entry that required correction. The hospital did not pay external IT vendors for this rectification; the cost estimate was based on in-house manpower efforts to resolve the issue. He emphasized that lying about one's identity poses significant risks and incurs extra costs for the healthcare system.

Assoc Prof Jamus Lim asked the Minister for Health about the vaccine take-up rates from 2020 to 2024 for those listed in the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS) and whether there are plans to increase government subsidies. Ong Ye Kung reported that the uptake for pneumococcal vaccinations in residents aged 65 and above rose from 22% in 2020 to 61% in 2024, while influenza vaccination uptake increased from 18% to 42%. He noted existing financial support for NAIS vaccines, with free vaccinations for eligible enrollees and subsidies of 50% to 87.5% for others, as well as MediSave usage to reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Rachel Ong asked the Minister for Health about the number of postpartum depression incidents and related suicides among mothers in the last five years. Ong Ye Kung reported an average of 248 postpartum depression cases per year in public healthcare institutions, with fewer than one suicide annually. He mentioned that there are programmes in place for early detection and management of postpartum depression available at polyclinics and public hospitals.

• An average of 338 work-related musculoskeletal disorders have been reported annually from 2020 to the first half of 2024, primarily consisting of back injuries (91%).
• Most disorders are caused by acute conditions, while some result from prolonged ergonomic issues, with reporting responsibilities divided among employers and medical practitioners.
• The Ministry of Manpower is implementing interventions to protect vulnerable groups, including seniors and persons with disabilities, by promoting ergonomic practices and providing training.
• Employers are encouraged to adopt ergonomic solutions and technologies to mitigate risks, with support available through guidelines, training programs, and grants for healthier workplace practices.

• Louis Ng Kok Kwang raised a question about reviewing the Immigration Act to allow foreigners with undetectable HIV viral loads to live and work in Singapore.
• Ong Ye Kung responded that the current provision in the Immigration Act is designed to protect public health and prevent HIV transmission.
• He noted that while short-term visits are permitted for foreigners with HIV, long-term residency remains restricted.
• The Ministry of Health is open to reviewing HIV-related policies in light of scientific advancements.

• Ms. Joan Pereira raised concerns about the need for more active engagement of private estates in addressing dengue transmission and mosquito breeding through solutions like fumigation.
• Minister Grace Fu highlighted the National Environment Agency's holistic strategy for dengue control, which includes community outreach and engagement, particularly in private estates.
• The primary focus of the NEA's strategy is source reduction, encouraging property owners to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, with chemical control methods used selectively in active transmission areas.
• The Minister emphasized the importance of individual responsibility in preventing dengue by maintaining clean surroundings and taking personal protective measures in dengue cluster areas.

• Miss Rachel Ong inquired about the number of students caught using or possessing vapes from 2022 to 2024 and the reoffending rates after fines.
• The Minister for Health, Ong Ye Kung, reported an increase in cases from 800 in 2022 to 2,000 in 2024, with a 13% reoffending rate in 2024.
• The Health Sciences Authority and Ministry of Health are reviewing penalties for vaping violations and enhancing educational initiatives on nicotine-free lifestyles and vaping cessation.

• Dennis Tan Lip Fong inquired about the comparison of nurses' salaries and benefits in Singapore with those in countries like Australia, as well as studies on factors influencing nurses' departure from Singapore.
• Minister Ong Ye Kung responded that nurses in Singapore earn comparable salaries to those in Australia and New Zealand after tax adjustments, and highlighted upcoming salary enhancements and a new retention scheme for nurses.
• Ong noted that the reasons for nurses leaving Singapore are varied and not solely related to salary, with a focus on personal considerations, and emphasized the importance of training opportunities and societal respect for the nursing profession.
• The attrition rate for nurses in Singapore has returned to single digits, indicating a stable workforce.

• Ms. Ng Ling Ling inquired about the annual operating costs for maintaining healthcare apps over the past three years, specifically HealthHub, Health Buddy, NHG Cares, and NUHS App.
• Minister Ong Ye Kung stated that HealthHub, the national health app, has an annual operating cost of approximately $18 million, which includes shared infrastructure costs.
• The combined annual operating costs for the three cluster-specific apps (Health Buddy, NHG Cares, and NUHS App) amount to about $3.6 million, representing a 20% increase over the costs of HealthHub alone.

• Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim inquired about the necessity of a doctor's memo for individuals applying for ComCare Long Term Assistance.
• The Minister for Social and Family Development clarified that ComCare supports those permanently unable to work due to age, illness, or disability with limited income.
• For applicants with clear disabilities, no doctor's certification is needed, but for others, a doctor's certification of permanent medical conditions is required.

• Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim inquired if polyclinic medical professionals were instructed to cease issuing memos for individuals deemed medically unfit for work.
• Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung clarified that there has been no such advice given to polyclinic staff.
• Medical certificates and memos regarding unfitness for work are still issued at the discretion of doctors following clinical assessments.

• Louis Ng Kok Kwang questioned the Ministry of Health about the policy regarding medical certificates for husbands accompanying their wives for IVF treatments in public hospitals.
• The Minister for Health, Ong Ye Kung, explained that medical certificates are issued based on medical necessity, primarily for the women undergoing IVF, and the policy has not changed since 2021.
• Husbands can receive medical certificates if they undergo IVF-related tests or procedures, but they are not automatically entitled to them just for accompanying their wives.
• Doctors can provide memos certifying that the wife has received IVF treatment, which husbands can use to request time off or flexible work arrangements from their employers.

• The debate focused on the potential consolidation of patient-facing apps in Singapore's public healthcare system, particularly the HealthHub app, and its functionalities related to appointment management and other health services.
• Questions were raised about extending HealthHub's appointment management features to include Healthier SG GP clinics and improving user experience for patients navigating multiple healthcare clusters.
• The Senior Minister of State for Health acknowledged the need for improvements and indicated that the Ministry is considering suggestions for enhancing the app's user interface and functionality.
• There was a discussion on learning from GovTech's experience to improve the digital services provided by the Ministry of Health and the importance of user interface testing for diverse populations, including the elderly.
• The Ministry is exploring the balance between maintaining customized features in cluster apps and the benefits of a consolidated app for better patient interaction with the healthcare system.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked if Singaporeans could use MediSave for shingles vaccination due to its high cost. Ong Ye Kung referred to a previous oral reply given on February 4, 2025, regarding the use of MediSave for this vaccination.

Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Health about the current number of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases, the most affected age groups, any reported fatalities, and measures taken to reduce infections in Singapore. Ong Ye Kung indicated that the question was addressed in an oral reply in the official report, directing her to further details provided in that document.