Health

3,662 debates and bills about health

5 Aug 2026

Rationale and Cost of Developing AI Models for Healthcare Diagnostics, and Safeguards for Patient Data

SIMFONI AI targets high-burden chronic diseases using de-identified data on secure TRUST platform.
Independent safety testing precedes deployment; no cost details given but careful use-case approach.
Minister stresses balanced, sober AI use, avoiding hype, with possible expansion to private practitioners.

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4 Aug 2026

Implementation of Fatigue and Medical Distress Monitoring Technology Onboard Commercial Vehicles and Availability of Financial Support for Elderly Drivers Deemed Unfit

Elderly drivers face higher fatigue/medical distress risk; regular medical checks and age limits already exist.
Bus captains get fatigue-monitoring tech, but private fleets have no mandatory similar requirement.
Unfit elderly drivers can get employment support from NTUC’s e2i or Skills and Workforce Development Agency.

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4 Aug 2026

Increase in Problem Gambling Assistance Requests to NCPG Ahead of and During FIFA World Cup 2026

Problem gambling help requests rose 14% during 2026 World Cup months.
Trends match past World Cup years with higher counselling rates.
NCPG boosted public awareness campaigns to address this.

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4 Aug 2026

Data on Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing in Past Three Years, and Enhancing Financial Support for Testing

PGT-A is a subsidised pilot for eligible IVF women, including those aged 35+ or with recurrent failures.
Among 303 women tested, there were 119 pregnancies and 92 live births; MOH is reviewing the scheme.

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4 Aug 2026

Addressing Insurance Clauses Refusing Coverage for Corrections of Medical Procedure Complications, and Implications for MediShield and CareShield Life

Minister says no refusal clauses in Integrated Shield Plans; complications generally covered.
Insurers may deny reimbursement for corrective procedures by providers guilty of malpractice or fraud.
MediShield Life covers corrective treatments; CareShield Life unaffected by such clauses.

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4 Aug 2026

Establishing Guidelines and Escalation Processes for CPR Decisions Opposed by Next-of-kin, and Standardising Processes for Obtaining Second Opinion or Transfers

CPR remains a clinical decision; next-of-kin cannot demand it when medically futile.
Public hospitals use senior clinician, multidisciplinary, and ethics committee reviews for DNR decisions.
Families may request independent clinical reviews or transfers where clinically appropriate.

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4 Aug 2026

Monitoring Waiting Times for Psychiatric Specialist Appointments and Expanding Community-based Specialist Capacity

MOH monitors psychiatric appointment wait times from request to appointment, triaging by clinical urgency.
Community mental health services are expanding to anchor care locally and reduce hospital reliance.

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4 Aug 2026

Mandatory Data Security Requirements for Patient Data Processed by AI Tools Through Third-party Cloud Services

Data security requirements apply to AI tools processing patient data via third-party clouds.
Obligations stem from Healthcare Services Act and Personal Data Protection Act.
Public healthcare adds binding no-retention commitments and secure access environments.

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4 Aug 2026

Reviewing ADL-Based Migrant Domestic Worker Levy Concession Assessments to Address Caregiving Needs

MP asked if ADL-based levy concession assessments miss those needing supervision for cognitive or mental health conditions.
Minister said concession not limited to ADL assistance; most care needs, including cognitive impairment, can qualify.

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4 Aug 2026

Strengthening Community Mental Health Peer Support Through Funding and Training, and Tracking Referral Pathways into Formal Mental Health Services

Over 160 peer support specialists and 33,000+ mental health supporters trained.
Programs are funded and align with the National Mental Health Competency Training Framework.
Ministry does not track active specialists or referral rates into formal services.

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4 Aug 2026

Addressing Gaps in Caregiving Support for Elderly Households After Experiencing Falls

MP sought support for elderly fall victims without family caregivers, including when spouse-caregiver is incapacitated.
Minister cited subsidised rehabilitation at Senior Care Centres or home therapy, plus enhanced home personal care.
Agency for Integrated Care assesses needs to match households to suitable services.

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4 Aug 2026

Reviewing MediSave Withdrawal Limits and Government Co-funding Schemes for Assisted Conception at Private Centres

MediSave limits for assisted conception are based on public-centre costs after co-funding.
MP asked if limits suffice for timely treatment at private centres where co-funding is unavailable.
MOH is reviewing co-funding and MediSave limits; details will be announced later.

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4 Aug 2026

Inclusion of Disposable Incontinence Sheets in Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund Subsidies for Comprehensive Hygiene and Pressure Sore Protection

Minister Ong confirmed SMF subsidy covers full-sized disposable incontinence sheets from April 2026.
Dennis Tan raised concerns for bed-bound patients' hygiene and pressure sore protection.

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4 Aug 2026

Data on Use of MediSave for Overseas Elective Hospitalisations and Day Surgeries in Past Five Years, and Cost Comparisons with Treatments Undertaken in Singapore

MediSave allowed for overseas elective hospitalizations at accredited hospitals, subject to withdrawal limits.
2020-2024: ~200 claims yearly, averaging $3,200 each, mostly obstetrics/gynaecology.
Government does not track cost comparisons between overseas and Singapore treatments.

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4 Aug 2026

Comparing Outcomes Between Drug Rehabilitation Centre Programmes and Community-based Rehabilitation Pathways

Drug abusers are placed on pathways based on prior offences and risk.
Repeat or higher-risk abusers enter Drug Rehabilitation Centre; lower-risk use community rehab.
Outcomes are not directly comparable due to differing risk profiles.

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4 Aug 2026

Projected Increase in Chronic Disease Caseloads for GP CHAS Clinics Due To Additional Conditions Covered and Measures to Meet Additional Manpower Requirements

Dennis Tan asked about increased chronic disease caseloads for GP CHAS clinics under expanded coverage.
He queried projected manpower needs for GPs, nurses, and coordinators over five years.
Ong Ye Kung referred to a prior written answer from July 2026.

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4 Aug 2026

Prevalence of Use of AI-assisted Clinical Notetaking Tools at Public Healthcare Institutions and Safeguards for Such Use

AI-assisted note-taking tools are not medical devices as they don't diagnose or treat patients.
Healthcare professionals must review AI-generated notes before adding them to clinical records, keeping humans in the loop.

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4 Aug 2026

Reasons Public Healthcare Institution Patients Fail to Attend Follow-up Appointments or Collect Prescribed Medication, and Actions Taken to Help Them

MOH does not track reasons for missed appointments or medication non-collection.
Common reasons: improved condition, work commitments, leftover medication, or other providers.
PHIs contact patients, offer delivery, and refer financial concerns to social workers.

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4 Aug 2026

Older Singaporeans Seeking Mental Health Support in Line With Recent Uptick in Retrenchments among Older Workers

Minister Ong said the share of older Singaporeans seeking mental health support did not rise from 2023 to 2025.
Retrenchments, though higher, remain too insignificant to shift overall healthcare demand.

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4 Aug 2026

Expanding Structured Peer Support Programmes for Adults with Anxiety or Depression

Government expands peer support, with over 33,000 trained and 5,000 more yearly.
National framework ensures quality training and referral to professional help when needed.

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