Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

6 Feb 2024

Number of Cases of Dengue Inspection Officers being Refused Entry into Homes and Penalties Meted Out

In the past three years, NEA encountered about six refused entries per 100 inspection attempts at residential premises, with most residents eventually complying after rescheduling or explanation.
Under the Control of Vectors and Pesticides Act, offenders can be fined up to $5,000 or jailed up to three months, but no one has been charged for repeated refusal in the past three years, and there are no plans to increase penalties.
NEA officers wear identifiable polo t-shirts and carry authority cards, and residents can verify their identity by calling the NEA contact centre or checking online, with outreach efforts like posters in dengue cluster areas to build awareness.

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6 Feb 2024

Factors for Decline in Happiness Measure in Quality of Life Survey

The Minister of State explained that Singapore's decline in happiness metrics in the NUS Quality of Life survey between 2016 and 2022 could be linked to factors such as reduced social interactions during the COVID-19 pandemic, while noting Singapore remains the happiest country in Asia in global reports.
The government has adopted a holistic national strategy to enhance mental well-being, including the SG Mental Well-being Network and community-based initiatives, but there are no known studies directly correlating the happiness decline with rising mental health issues in Singapore.
The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth uses findings from the NUS survey and other studies to inform its ground engagement and policies, including the National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy, though specific data on factors like living costs was not provided in this exchange.

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6 Feb 2024

Update on Number of Mpox Cases and Transmission Data

The Ministry of Health reported a low number of mpox cases in Singapore, with 18 cases in Q3 2022 and 20 cases in Q4 2023, and no new cases in January 2024, linking the Q4 2023 surge to global and regional trends.
The Ministry advised that standard health precautions for mpox remain the same for travelers and locals, emphasizing personal hygiene, avoiding contact with sick individuals or contaminated objects, and refraining from high-risk activities.
The Ministry’s guidance includes monitoring for symptoms like fever, swollen lymph nodes, and rash, seeking medical attention if they occur, and informing healthcare providers of recent travel or exposure.

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6 Feb 2024

Conditions Eligible for Treatment Subsidies under Chronic Disease Management Programme

Feedback from the public, medical professionals, and MPs is considered in reviews for adding conditions to the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP), alongside factors like disease prevalence and evidence-based guidelines.
Non-CDMP chronic conditions, such as glaucoma, still receive subsidies up to 75% at public clinics, with seniors able to use Flexi-MediSave and apply for further financial aid if needed.
The government regularly reviews and expands CDMP coverage, typically every three to five years, incorporating MP feedback and assessing long-term impacts on daily living and healthcare costs.

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5 Feb 2024

Proposal for Work Injury Compensation to Cover Injuries Sustained by Migrant Workers at Dormitories

Murali Pillai inquired about the number of migrant workers injured in dormitories not covered by work injury insurance over the past five years and suggested reviewing the Work Injury Compensation Act to include such incidents.
The Ministry of Manpower clarified that non-work injuries at dormitories are not covered under the Work Injury Compensation Act, which only applies to work-related injuries.
The ministry noted that migrant workers have access to affordable non-work injury insurance through the Migrant Workers' Centre and that medical expenses are covered by mandatory employer-provided insurance.
The ministry stated there are no plans to expand the Work Injury Compensation Act's scope beyond work-related injuries, as it is designed as a no-fault claims regime for workplace incidents.

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5 Feb 2024

Reviewing Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Act to Ensure Provision of Support without Impact on Employability

Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked the Ministry of Health if the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Act will be reviewed to ensure care and support for those with mental disorders do not negatively affect their well-being and employability.
The Ministry of Health regularly reviews legislation, including the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Act, which allows for the admission and detention of individuals at risk of self-harm or harm to others for mandatory psychiatric assessment and treatment.
Patients under the Act receive support from a multidisciplinary team and are safeguarded through regular inspections by Appointed Visitors, while upon discharge, they continue with outpatient care and community reintegration support.
Community Mental Health Teams provide follow-up care and refer patients to employment support agencies for customized training and job matching to ensure meaningful employment outcomes.
The Ministry welcomes specific feedback on the Act’s operation to inform any necessary revisions.

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5 Feb 2024

Measures to Prevent Patients' Personal and Financial Data Breach in Healthcare Institutions

Wan Rizal sought measures to protect patients' data and steps to enhance security after a nurse was charged with stealing bank details.
Ong Ye Kung confirmed the incident involved unauthorized access to patients' phones, with no IT system breach, and the nurse was dismissed and charged.
Public healthcare institutions use secured storage, surveillance cameras, and security personnel to protect patient belongings and will take strict disciplinary or legal action against violators.

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5 Feb 2024

Neuroscience-backed Programmes to Help Students Manage Stress and Uncertainty

Christopher de Souza proposed that schools introduce neuroscience-backed programmes to help students understand their thought patterns and manage stress and uncertainty.
Chan Chun Sing responded that the existing school curriculum already incorporates mental health education based on research and evidence-based practices, including insights from brain functions and affective neuroscience.
The curriculum teaches students skills to manage stress, conflicts, negative thinking, and uncertainties, aligning with the goals of the proposed programmes.

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5 Feb 2024

Managing Emergence of Makeshift Smoking Corners to Ensure Public Health

Dr Wan Rizal raised concerns about makeshift smoking corners in residential areas and asked how the government balances non-smokers' rights and public health.
The Minister explained that smoking is already banned in specific residential areas like void decks and corridors to protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke.
Designated smoking corners in coffee shops are being phased out, and new applications have not been accepted since 2017.
Makeshift smoking points are only prohibited if they are in places already listed in the Smoking Regulations, but owners are urged to consider the public’s well-being.
The government encourages smokers to be socially responsible and keep public spaces clean when smoking outdoors.

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5 Feb 2024

Update on Situation Faced by SAF Team in Egypt and Increasing Singapore's Contribution of Aid to Gaza

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for Defence for an update on the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) medical team's situation in Egypt and plans to increase Singapore's humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The SAF deployed a two-man medical team to the French hospital ship FS Dixmude in Egypt from 18 to 27 January 2024, providing care to Gaza casualties including trauma and oncological patients.
The SAF will continue monitoring the region and assessing how to further contribute to humanitarian assistance for Gaza.

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5 Feb 2024

Monthly Per Capita Household Income Criterion for Admission to Government-funded Nursing Homes

Gerald Giam asked the Minister for Health about the use of Monthly Per Capita Household Income as a criterion for admission to Government-funded nursing homes, including rejection statistics and the possibility of increasing the income ceiling.
Ong Ye Kung clarified that Government-funded nursing homes do not base admissions on Monthly Per Capita Household Income, admitting patients based on care needs and bed availability instead.
The debate highlighted a discrepancy between the perceived role of income criteria and the stated admission policy of Government-funded nursing homes.

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5 Feb 2024

Tracking Number of Women and Men Who Have Undergone Fertility Screening at Public and Private Hospitals

Louis Ng asked whether the Ministry of Health would track fertility screening numbers for both genders across public and private hospitals, and if not, why not.
The Ministry of Health currently tracks screening for nationally recommended health screenings but has no plans to do so for fertility assessments.
Fertility screening is considered individualized to the couple’s circumstances, such as age, rather than suitable for general population tracking.
Couples are advised to seek medical advice from polyclinics, general practitioners, or fertility specialists based on specific age and conception timelines.

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5 Feb 2024

Detection of Tuberculosis Clusters in Singapore and Lessons from the Recent Increase in Cases in Bukit Merah

The National Tuberculosis Programme has used Whole Genome Sequencing since 2020 to effectively identify and analyse TB clusters, including the recent one in Bukit Merah.
No cases in the Bukit Merah cluster show evidence of multi-drug resistant TB, and early medical assessment for symptoms like prolonged cough is crucial for control.
Lessons include the importance of advanced genomic tools for cluster detection and promoting early diagnosis to prevent further spread and future outbreaks.

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5 Feb 2024

Infectious Diseases (Amendment) Bill

The Minister for Health presented the Infectious Diseases (Amendment) Bill to update the Infectious Diseases Act 1976 and related legislation, with the bill read a first time.
The bill is scheduled for a second reading after the conclusion of proceedings on the Estimates of Expenditure for FY2024/2025.
The Speaker called for order and directed the Clerk to read the Orders of the Day and Notice of Motion.

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5 Feb 2024

Diversity in Acute Hospital Models in Singapore’s Healthcare Landscape

The Ministry of Health is consulting on a new private hospital model focused on serving Singaporeans, stronger clinical governance, and cost-effective care, aiming to diversify options beyond heavily subsidised public hospitals and high-cost private ones.
The minister noted that not-for-profit hospitals, like Mount Alvernia, are sustainable and reinvest profits into services, but the new model’s key features are not about profit status but about primary service to locals, singular licensing, and bill size restrictions.
Dr Tan Wu Meng raised concerns about ensuring the right organisational culture, incentives, and leadership to achieve the ministry’s goals, and questioned why a similar model to Mount Alvernia has not emerged earlier, suggesting examination of land costs and tender structures.
The minister agreed that leadership and culture are crucial but emphasised regulatory measures and rules, while explaining that previous focus on public healthcare expansion and limited manpower resources had delayed exploring such private models.

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10 Jan 2024

Dengue Vaccines Submitted to Health Sciences Authority for Consideration for Registration

Sylvia Lim inquired about which dengue vaccine candidates are under consideration for registration by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and the status of Takeda’s TAK-003 application.
Ong Ye Kung responded that Takeda withdrew its dengue vaccine registration application in Singapore after an HSA review, noting a similar withdrawal in the US.
No other dengue vaccine applications are currently pending with the HSA.
The Ministry of Health will continue monitoring dengue vaccine developments as part of Singapore’s broader dengue control strategy.

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10 Jan 2024

Proportion of Healthcare Workers Covering Frontline Functions Not Receiving COVID-19 Resilience Medal

Yip Hon Weng inquired about the percentage of frontline healthcare workers who did not receive the COVID-19 Resilience Medal and the appeal process for those who believe they were wrongly excluded.
Ong Ye Kung directed the query to a previous written answer provided on January 9, 2024, indicating the information was already addressed in an official report.
The referenced report details the appeals process for individuals who missed out on the medal, suggesting a formal mechanism exists for reconsideration.
The exchange highlights concerns over medal distribution and transparency, with the government pointing to existing documentation for clarification.
No new data on the proportion of unawarded workers was provided in this debate, relying instead on prior official responses.

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10 Jan 2024

Waiting Time to Secure Appointments for Root Canal Treatment at Public Healthcare Institutions and Use of MediSave

The average waiting time for subsidised root canal treatment at public healthcare institutions is approximately 30 days, with emergency dental cases addressed immediately.
MediSave is not currently expanded for root canal treatment as it is primarily for dental day surgeries with higher costs, but reviews consider affordability and fund sustainability.
Patients facing financial difficulties can seek help from medical social workers for MediFund and other assistance, with the Ministry of Health continuing to review dental financing schemes.

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10 Jan 2024

Strengthening Healthcare Services (Cord Blood Banking Service) Regulations 2021 to Enhance Consumer Protection

Hazel Poa asked the Ministry of Health to consider strengthening the Healthcare Services (Cord Blood Banking Service) Regulations 2021 to enhance consumer protection due to the irreplaceable nature of cord blood.
Ong Ye Kung explained that private cord blood banking is a for-profit, elective service where parents pay to store their child's cord blood, with 14 withdrawals for transplants since 2001.
He stated that the 2021 Regulations set licensing requirements for banks to ensure the viability of cord blood for transplants, and the Ministry will review areas for strengthening these regulations following the Cordlife incident.

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10 Jan 2024

Possibility of Regulating Ultra-processed Food for Healthier Food Environment

Murali Pillai asked if the government would consider regulating ultra-processed foods to improve health outcomes given studies linking them to poorer mental and physical health.
Ong Ye Kung acknowledged the poor nutritional profile of ultra-processed foods and noted there are no international dietary recommendations or Singaporean laws targeting them.
The Health Promotion Board uses measures like the Healthier Choice Symbol, Nutri-Grade marks, and promotion of low-sodium salt to encourage healthier eating and reduce UPF consumption.
These initiatives aim to cut down consumption of unhealthy components and promote a healthier food environment.
The government is focusing on existing non-regulatory approaches rather than introducing specific UPF regulations.

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