Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

9 Jan 2024

Effectiveness of Efforts to Attract More Singaporeans to Join Healthcare Industry

The Ministry uses a multi-pronged approach to attract Singaporeans to healthcare, including early student engagement, career conversion programmes, job redesign, and competitive remuneration, complemented by foreign workers.
The national healthcare workforce grew from about 100,000 to over 120,000 in the last five years, with clinical and patient-facing roles increasing from 85,000 to 98,000 and non-clinical roles from 19,000 to 22,000.
Approximately 80% of the healthcare workforce are Singapore residents, and about one in 20 students enrol in healthcare courses, indicating a fair share of local talent pool.
The Ministry will continue to build both local and foreign manpower pipelines to meet the growing demand for healthcare services in Singapore.

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9 Jan 2024

Training for Healthcare Workers on Managing Difficult Situations

The Tripartite Framework for Prevention of Abuse and Harassment in Healthcare recommends that healthcare institutions provide both formal and informal training for healthcare workers to manage difficult situations and potential conflicts, including effective communication and de-escalation techniques, as well as self-defence skills for physical protection.
Some public healthcare institutions already provide training, such as de-escalation techniques and self-defence, and the framework also calls for mental health support training for supervisors to recognize signs of trauma and refer affected staff for counselling.
The Ministry of Health will collaborate with healthcare institutions to expand the availability of such training to healthcare workers as the framework is implemented.

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9 Jan 2024

Inclusion of Security Professionals Working in Healthcare Settings in Framework for Prevention of Healthcare Personnel Abuse

Assoc Prof Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim asked if the Tripartite Framework for the Prevention of Abuse and Harassment in Healthcare can be extended to include security professionals.
Ong Ye Kung clarified that the Framework already covers all staff working within healthcare institutions' premises, including security professionals and other contract staff.
Public healthcare clusters have committed to adopting the Framework, and other healthcare institutions are encouraged to adapt the guidelines as soon as possible.

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9 Jan 2024

Transfer of Samples from Private Hospitals to Singapore Cord Blood Bank

Mr Don Wee asked whether the Ministry of Health would expand the Singapore Cord Blood Bank's family cord blood banking service to private hospitals and allow transfer of samples to the Public Donation inventory if families miss payments.
Minister Ong Ye Kung clarified that the family cord blood banking service has always been available to parents delivering in private hospitals.
He stated that if parents discontinue the service, the Ministry encourages them to donate the cord blood units to the public inventory provided the units meet public donation criteria.

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9 Jan 2024

Protection for Healthcare Workers who Complain about Abuse under Tripartite Framework

Assoc Prof Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim queried how the Tripartite Framework safeguards healthcare workers who report abuse from reprisals.
Ong Ye Kung explained that the framework mandates public healthcare institutions to establish staff protection functions to review incidents and provide mental health support.
Measures include discontinuing exposure to abusers, temporary reassignment or time-off, and disciplinary actions like warnings or barring abusive individuals from premises.
Institutions also assist workers in filing Police reports if needed to ensure further protection.

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9 Jan 2024

Extension of Lung Cancer Screening Recommendation Guidelines to Cover More Individuals

Yip Hon Weng asked whether lung cancer screening guidelines could be expanded to include non-smokers and those with a family history, whether screenings would be subsidised, and if there are plans to raise public awareness.
Ong Ye Kung stated that lung cancer screening via LDCT is only recommended for high-risk individuals like heavy or ex-smokers, based on scientific evidence balancing benefits against radiation exposure and cost.
He confirmed that LDCT scans are not recommended for the general population, non-smokers, or those with a family history, but patients referred to Specialist Outpatient Clinics may receive means-tested subsidies if assessed as needing an LDCT scan.

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9 Jan 2024

Regulation of Educational and Behavioural Therapy Service Providers

Assoc Prof Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for Health whether providers of educational and behavioural therapy services should be regulated under the Allied Health Professions Act 2011 to ensure they are suitably trained and qualified.
Ong Ye Kung responded that the Allied Health Professions Act currently covers five specific allied health professions, while psychologists and behavioural therapists are already safeguarded under clinical governance frameworks and healthcare legislation in healthcare settings.
In non-healthcare settings like early intervention programmes, funding agreements specify minimum qualifications for therapists, and the government will continue to assess whether other allied health professions require registration.

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9 Jan 2024

Financial Support Options for Unlisted Implants

Yip Hon Weng asked about additional financial support options for custom or unlisted implants beyond existing schemes and whether MediFund is available for patients who cannot afford them.
Ong Ye Kung explained that unlisted implants may receive up to 50% subsidies (capped at $1,000) if not yet assessed, while those assessed as non-clinical or non-cost-effective are ineligible for subsidies but can still be claimed via MediShield Life, Integrated Shield Plans, or MediSave.
He noted that patients facing financial difficulties can apply for assistance through medical social workers, including MediFund.

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9 Jan 2024

Consideration of Traits such as Age, Socio-economic Status, Ethnicity and Gender as Risk Factors for Suicide and Self-harm

Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin inquired about the timeline for IMH studies on suicide risk factors and whether they would consider age, socio-economic status, ethnicity, and gender to inform targeted mental health strategies.
The Minister for Health, Ong Ye Kung, confirmed that IMH is conducting two ongoing studies that include demographic factors such as age, ethnicity, gender, and socio-economic status among other risk factors.
The Minister stated that results from both studies are projected to be ready by 2025.
The studies aim to understand both risk factors for suicide and self-harm and mitigating factors for prevention and reduction.
This research is intended to contribute to a more comprehensive overview for national mental health strategies.

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9 Jan 2024

Incidence of Teenage Pregnancy and Support Extended to Pregnant Teens

The average age of pregnant teenagers in Singapore over the last five years is 18 years old.
Hospitals and community organizations provide comprehensive support for pregnant teens, including antenatal care, screening, counselling, and educational resources through multi-disciplinary teams.
Teenagers who proceed with childbirth receive emotional and practical support, including information on financial assistance and follow-up care, with postnatal counselling on contraceptive options.
Those seeking abortions undergo mandatory pre-abortion counselling, with unmarried teens under 16 required to attend sessions focused on procedure information, responsible behavior, and social support to prevent repeat pregnancies.

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9 Jan 2024

Update on Efforts to Alleviate Shortage of Hospital Beds and Nursing Staff in Public Hospitals

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim inquired about current shortages of hospital beds and nursing staff, progress on increasing capacity, and whether hospitals face constraints even outside crises, citing an ageing population and complex patient needs.
Minister Ong Ye Kung confirmed that shortages persist post-COVID-19, exacerbated by an ageing population and longer hospital stays, but noted staffing has improved compared to a year ago.
Infrastructure projects are advancing, with Tan Tock Seng-Integrated Care Hub adding 300 beds and Woodlands Health Campus set to open mid-year, while long-term plans like Eastern Integrated Health Campus and Alexandra Hospital redevelopment remain on track.
Hospitals are using alternative models like Transitional Care Facilities and Mobile Inpatient Care@Home to expand capacity and address constraints.

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9 Jan 2024

Appeals for Individuals who Missed Out on COVID-19 Resilience Medal

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Ministry of Health to consider an appeal channel for individuals who missed out on the COVID-19 Resilience Medal.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung explained that the medal was awarded based on inclusive criteria, with nominations from employers for substantial and sustained contributions during the pandemic.
About 91% of public healthcare workers received the medal, with exclusions mainly due to not meeting contribution criteria or disciplinary records, and outsourced workers were also included.
From May to August 2023, MOH reviewed appeals and added awardees, and individuals who believe they were missed can write to MOH for review with their employers.

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9 Jan 2024

Alerts Communicated to Singapore Travellers Regarding Pneumonia Outbreak in China

Ong Ye Kung stated that the surge in respiratory illnesses in China is due to common pathogens already circulating in Singapore, and MOH is monitoring for new pathogens and COVID-19 variants with international partners.
MOH issued public advisories on 2, 8, and 15 December 2023 to encourage vigilance and precautions such as updating vaccinations, practicing good hygiene, wearing masks in crowded places, and minimizing social interactions when unwell, especially for travellers.
The Ministry of Health communicates alerts through public advisories and advises travellers to adopt necessary precautions to minimize the risk of importing illnesses into Singapore.

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9 Jan 2024

Checks on Storage Facilities and Operational Processes of Commercial Cord Blood Banking Service Providers

Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked about the frequency of checks on commercial cord blood banks, whether unannounced inspections occur regularly, and if compensation is expected when service claims are found lacking.
Ong Ye Kung stated that cord blood banks undergo scheduled inspections every two years and may face additional unannounced visits if concerns arise.
He added that consumers can seek recourse from providers based on their service contracts in cases of service lapses.

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22 Nov 2023

Breakdown of Applications to Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund Within Seniors Aged 60 and Above

The Minister for Health explained that the Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF) provides means-tested subsidies for assistive devices to seniors aged 60 and above to support aging in place.
On average, over 99% of the roughly 16,400 unique senior applicants annually since 2019 were successful, as they are pre-advised on eligibility, and unsuccessful applicants are referred to healthcare providers or Agency for Integrated Care Links for further assistance.
The government does not track SMF applicants by economic activity, and data shows high participation in Project Silver Screen, with 99% of SMF beneficiaries receiving spectacles and 7% receiving hearing aids through the program.

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22 Nov 2023

Data of Patients From Specialist Outpatient Clinics at Public Hospitals and Polyclinics Declining Collection of Medication in Last Five Years

The Ministry of Health currently does not track data on how many times patients decline to collect prescribed medication from specialist outpatient clinics at public hospitals and polyclinics, nor does it monitor the average price of the uncollected medication.
A March 2023 research study indicates that non-cost-related factors, such as concern about side effects and lack of knowledge about the medication and disease, influence medication adherence.
The debate arose from a parliamentary question by Gerald Giam Yean Song, who inquired about the frequency, cost, reasons for non-collection, and whether the Ministry would consider collecting such data.
Ong Ye Kung, representing the Ministry of Health, confirmed the lack of current data tracking and highlighted findings from the recent study on factors affecting medication adherence.

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22 Nov 2023

Enabling Low-income Seniors Access to Shingles Vaccines

Murali Pillai highlighted that over 90% of Singaporeans aged 50+ carry the dormant varicella-zoster virus, with up to one in three potentially developing shingles, and asked how low-income seniors can access costly shingles vaccines.
Ong Ye Kung responded that the Ministry of Health is assessing the vaccine's clinical and cost-effectiveness for potential inclusion in the National Adult Immunisation Schedule, which would allow subsidies and MediSave usage if approved.
The debate focused on ensuring affordable vaccine access for vulnerable seniors, with the government considering policy changes to address financial barriers.

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22 Nov 2023

Average Number of Cyberattacks on Public Healthcare Institutions Annually

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked about the average number of cyberattacks on public healthcare institutions over the past five years, the safeguards in place, and why a specific cyberattack on 1 November 2023 succeeded in causing a seven-hour disruption.
Minister Ong Ye Kung stated that Synapxe blocks an average of 3,000 malicious emails daily and 1.7 million firewall bypass attempts monthly, with healthcare systems protected under the Cybersecurity Act using a layered defence-in-depth approach, including a Security Operations Centre, incident response processes, and regular cybersecurity exercises.
The 1 November 2023 disruption was caused by a DDoS attack that circumvented anti-DDoS services and overwhelmed the firewall, leading to filtering that made websites and internet-reliant services inaccessible; since then, anti-DDoS measures have been enhanced and the sector is reviewing defences and response times.

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22 Nov 2023

Studies on Alcohol Consumption Among Singaporeans Aged 30 and Below

Melvin Yong inquired whether any local studies have examined alcohol consumption prevalence and health impacts among Singaporeans aged 30 and below, and if not, whether the Ministry would consider commissioning such a study.
Ong Ye Kung noted that alcohol consumption data is available from the Ministry of Health's National Population Health Survey and the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study, both publicly accessible.
Ong Ye Kung highlighted international evidence that excessive alcohol consumption can lead to alcohol dependence, chronic diseases, violence, and high-risk behaviors, with early use affecting brain development and long-term cognitive functions.

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22 Nov 2023

Statistics on Rare Diseases Fund Application and Awareness of Donor Options

Mr Ong Hua Han asked the Ministry of Health about statistics on Rare Diseases Fund applications since November 2022, including total applications, those for non-listed medications, success rates, and whether annual reports can be published.
He also inquired how donors are informed about using donations for Cell, Tissue and Gene Therapy Products and what constitutes the expendable component of the fund.
Minister Ong Ye Kung referred to his prior oral reply on 22 November 2023 as covering these questions.

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