Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

19 Sep 2023

Volume of Complaints Received for Alleged Medical Negligence by Hospital Staff

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked for the average monthly number of complaints about alleged medical negligence and the average monthly patient intake, broken down for Sengkang, Singapore General, Tan Tock Seng, and other regional hospitals.
Ong Ye Kung stated that in 2022, the Singapore Medical Council received an average of one complaint per month for alleged medical negligence in public hospitals, all investigated and found not to involve negligence.
He added that no other Professional Boards received such complaints, and that patient intake is higher at National University Hospital, Singapore General Hospital, and Tan Tock Seng Hospital due to their larger patient loads and complex cases.

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19 Sep 2023

Regulating Artificial Intelligence and New Technologies for Precision Medicines

Yip Hon Weng asked how the Government regulates AI and new technologies in precision medicine to protect data privacy, patient confidentiality, and safety, and how it addresses concerns that customised treatments may increase healthcare costs compared to generic drugs.
Ong Ye Kung stated that AI and precision medicine are transformative but face tight regulation, with the Health Sciences Authority regulating such technologies as medical devices and the Healthcare Services Act governing clinical genetic services from end 2023.
He added that patient data, including genomic data, is already protected by existing privacy laws, and the Ministry of Health will continue developing governance frameworks to ensure ethical, clinically and cost-effective deployment of these nascent technologies.

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19 Sep 2023

Insurance Coverage for Individuals with Mental Health Conditions

Dr. Tan Wu Meng and Ms. He Ting Ru raised concerns about Singaporeans with mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, being denied insurance coverage or facing stigma from insurers.
Senior Minister of State Janil Puthucheary responded that all Singaporeans are covered by MediShield Life regardless of pre-existing conditions and that insurers must conduct fair, objective underwriting, with appeals possible through insurers or the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
The Ministry of Health and MAS are collaborating to regulate the insurance industry, and the Minister is considering a suggestion for a public portal to share experiences with insurers, while noting that updated mental health survey data will be released in the future.

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19 Sep 2023

Income Criteria for Blue and Orange CHAS Cards in View of Inflation

The Ministry of Health (MOH) confirmed it regularly reviews CHAS income criteria and subsidy levels, with the last review in 2019, and noted that three in four of the 14,000 appeals for card upgrades over the past two years were successful.
MOH indicated it will consider the MP's suggestions to incorporate inflation or wage indices into future reviews of CHAS income criteria and subsidies, taking into account post-pandemic changes and the holistic circumstances of applicants.
The discussion highlighted that CHAS cardholders will benefit from the Healthier SG Chronic Tier from early next year if they enrol with a Healthier SG GP clinic, which is part of the ongoing healthcare support framework.

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19 Sep 2023

Measure of Success for New Healthy Longevity Clinic

The Healthy Longevity Clinic at Alexandra Hospital is a research project focused on developing interventions for longevity, currently recruiting participants with no immediate plans for expansion to polyclinics or other hospitals.
The clinic’s success will be measured by its contribution to longevity science, supported by national policies like Healthier SG and Age Well SG, rather than direct patient care.
The clinic differs from Healthier SG as it involves extensive screening tests for research purposes, while Healthier SG is an evidence-based population-wide programme for chronic disease prevention and management.
Residents near the clinic are excited, but the minister clarifies that participation requires significant commitment and is not a substitute for existing subsidised health screenings.

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19 Sep 2023

Revision to Advisories on COVID-19 Vaccinations and Other Measures

The Ministry of Health maintains that COVID-19 vaccination remains crucial for protection against new variants, with free booster shots under the National Vaccination Programme continuing for all eligible ages and no plans to introduce charges.
Mask-wearing in healthcare settings remains required as a general measure against respiratory diseases, with MOH monitoring the situation and reviewing policies; no definitive timeline was given for making masks non-mandatory.
MOH is preparing for updated vaccines targeting XBB.1.5 variants, with approvals in place and new doses expected by end-October, while strongly recommending boosters for seniors and vulnerable groups one year after their last dose.
The government is addressing vaccination fatigue through public education and engagement to explain the importance of vaccines, though a long-term exit strategy remains uncertain due to the dynamic nature of the virus.
There is no commitment to a long-term vaccination strategy or achieving herd immunity, as MOH will continuously monitor the situation and update recommendations based on expert advice and evolving evidence.

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18 Sep 2023

Ways to Allow Increase in MediSave Withdrawal Limits Per Day for Hospitalisation Expenses

Ms Mariam Jaafar asked the Minister for Health to consider increasing the MediSave withdrawal limits per day for hospitalisation expenses, such as by raising the daily limit after the first two days.
The Minister for Health, Ong Ye Kung, stated that MediShield Life and MediSave withdrawal limits are periodically reviewed to keep subsidised healthcare affordable, noting that seven in 10 Singaporeans in subsidised wards have no out-of-pocket costs and eight in 10 pay less than $100 cash.
Ong Ye Kung added that any limit adjustments to improve affordability will be considered during the next review scheduled for 2024.

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18 Sep 2023

Waiting Time for Ophthalmology Appointments at Singapore National Eye Centre and Alternative Arrangements for Earlier Dates

The median waiting time for new subsidised ophthalmology appointments at Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) in Q2 2023 was about three months, with waiting times rising due to increased post-pandemic demand and specialist attrition.
Patients can secure earlier appointments through central appointment centres of each Healthcare Cluster, which assist in booking the earliest available slots at public hospitals under the cluster.
Patients may also call central appointment centre hotlines to check for earlier available appointment dates.
Urgent cases are prioritised and given earlier appointments based on clinical assessment.

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18 Sep 2023

Study to Gain Deeper Understanding of Intersectionality of Profile Factors on Suicide Rates Among Residents for Better Outreach Efforts

Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked whether the Ministry of Health will conduct a study to understand how socio-economic status, age, geography, ethnicity, and gender intersect to affect suicide rates among Singapore residents for better outreach efforts.
Ong Ye Kung stated that the Institute of Mental Health, with funding from the Ministry, is already conducting studies on suicide risk and self-harm factors.
These ongoing studies aim to inform future outreach and support measures for individuals in crisis.

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18 Sep 2023

Adoption of Technological Solutions to Improve Operational Efficiency and Patient Care in Nursing Homes

The Ministry of Health and Agency for Integrated Care provide funding through schemes like the Productivity and Digitalisation Uplift Grant to support nursing homes in adopting technologies such as autonomous mobile robots and smart glasses.
Sixteen nursing homes have successfully implemented autonomous mobile robots for delivering items, resulting in at least 10% staff time savings and enabling more focus on direct patient care.
While support exists for smart glasses to facilitate real-time communication between nurses and medical professionals, no nursing homes have yet requested funding for this technology.

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18 Sep 2023

Adequacy of MediSave Withdrawal Limit for Outpatient Care for Patients with Complex Chronic Conditions

The current MediSave withdrawal limit for outpatient care under the MediSave500/700 scheme allows up to $500 or $700 annually for 23 chronic conditions, with an additional $300 for those aged 60 and above, which MOH states meets the needs of nine in 10 patients.
From early 2024, Healthier SG enrollees can use MediSave to fully cover their chronic condition treatments at Healthier SG clinics without co-payment, and financial assistance is available for those facing difficulties.
MOH regularly reviews the MediSave limits and chronic disease list to balance affordability and preservation of funds, and encourages reporting of cases needing additional assistance.

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18 Sep 2023

Plans to Facilitate Training and Recruitment of Manpower to Ensure Good Care and Service Standards in New Nursing Homes

The Ministry of Health collaborates with the Agency for Integrated Care to provide training programmes and subsidies for nursing home staff, including the Community Care Traineeship Programme and development awards for clinical and non-clinical skills.
Efforts since 2020 have focused on redesigning support care roles to equip workers with broader skills and create pathways for progression, alongside initiatives like job fairs, an online careers portal, and overseas recruitment for foreign staff.
Salaries in the community care sector, including for local and foreign nurses and support staff, have been enhanced over the past three years, with a recent sign-on bonus introduced for eligible fresh nursing graduates joining publicly-funded residential care organisations.

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18 Sep 2023

Help to Prompt Caregivers of Persons with Disabilities to Apply for Activation of Payouts under CareShield Life and ElderShield Schemes

The Ministry of Health partners with the Silver Generation Office, nursing homes, healthcare institutions, home care providers, and social service agencies to conduct outreach and prompt caregivers to apply for disability payouts under CareShield Life and ElderShield.
Automatic payout disbursement is not implemented to prevent payouts to ineligible individuals, which could raise premiums for all, and checks are maintained through existing outreach and application processes.
Individuals born before 1980 can voluntarily join CareShield Life with incentives, and MOH encourages enrollment while community organizations are asked to support outreach efforts.

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18 Sep 2023

Cases of Influenza A and B Types and Measures Taken

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked whether influenza A and B cases increased in Singapore from January to July this year compared to last year, the reasons for any increase, and preventive measures being taken.
The Ministry of Health confirmed a rise in influenza cases in early 2023 compared to 2022, attributing it to reduced COVID-19 dominance and relaxed Safe Management Measures.
Vulnerable groups such as young children, seniors, and those with underlying conditions are advised to get annual flu vaccinations.
Individuals with respiratory symptoms are recommended to limit social interactions, seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen, and wear masks when leaving home.
The government is emphasizing vaccination and personal responsibility as key measures to address the increase in influenza cases.

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18 Sep 2023

Use of Art Therapy in Health Promotion Board's Initiative to Help Communities Achieve Better Mental Health

Usha Chandradas raised questions about the extent and scope of art therapy in the Health Promotion Board’s mental health initiatives and plans to raise awareness about it.
Ong Ye Kung stated that HPB includes art-related activities like mindful colouring in workshops, with research showing benefits such as stress reduction, and encouraged incorporating art into daily routines.
He noted that evidence on the effectiveness of formal art therapy is still evolving and emphasized that such techniques should be guided by professional recommendations and family doctors.

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18 Sep 2023

Measures to Ensure Sufficient Assistance Provided to Elderly Haj Pilgrims during Haj

The Singapore Pilgrims’ Affairs Office provides medical services and facilities in Saudi Arabia, appointing 19 medical personnel for Haj 2023 and coordinating emergency services to support elderly pilgrims.
MUIS offers 30 Haj packages priced between S$8,400 and S$22,600, monitors costs with service providers and travel agents, and advises early preparations like health programs to ensure affordability and readiness.
MUIS works with Haj travel agents, the Association of Muslim Travel Agents Singapore, and Saudi authorities to manage manpower and resources for elderly pilgrims’ safety and welfare.

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18 Sep 2023

Singapore Pilgrims Requiring Wheelchair Assistance or Medical Support

Dr Wan Rizal asked about the number of Singapore pilgrims needing wheelchair or medical support during the recent Haj season, how this compares to past seasons, and what future support is planned.
In the Haj 2023 season, about 180 Singapore pilgrims required wheelchair assistance, with no records kept for previous seasons.
The Haj 2022 season likely had fewer pilgrims needing assistance due to age restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
MUIS will work with travel agents to address medical and mobility support needs for the upcoming Haj 2024 season.

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18 Sep 2023

Provision of Direct Funding for Engaging Full-time School Counsellors Including to Madrasahs

Syed Harun Alhabsyi asked if MOE provides direct funding for full-time school counsellors and whether the same support could be extended to madrasahs or through collaboration with MUIS.
Chan Chun Sing clarified that MOE hires and deploys full-time counsellors to Government and Government-Aided schools, but madrasahs, being private, do not receive MOE funding for staff.
He noted that MUIS partners with community organisations to provide counselling services for madrasah students and that madrasahs are equipping teachers with basic counselling skills and sharing mental health information.

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18 Sep 2023

Engaging More Stakeholders in Suicide Prevention at Earliest Possible Stages

The Health Promotion Board conducts public education, social media outreach, and online resources via MindSG to raise mental health awareness, build resilience, and reduce stigma.
The SG Mental Well-Being Network, launched in 2022, has established six Well-Being Circles in different neighbourhoods, training over 500 citizens as peer supporters to strengthen community mental well-being.
The Agency for Integrated Care collaborates with social service agencies to expand community mental health teams, offering assessments, psychosocial interventions, and linkages to ancillary support services.
An Interagency Taskforce on Mental Health and Well-being, comprising over 30 agencies, is developing a comprehensive strategy to strengthen mental resilience and suicide prevention, set for release by year-end.

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18 Sep 2023

Ensuring No Supply Chain Disruptions for Commonly Used Medicines for Paediatric or General Care

He Ting Ru queried the Ministry of Health on measures to prevent supply chain disruptions and shortages for commonly used paediatric and general care medicines.
Ong Ye Kung stated that healthcare institutions and companies monitor supplies closely and can increase stock or use alternative brands as needed.
The Ministry of Health maintains stockpiles of key medicines, diversifies procurement sources, and may impose sales limits during extreme situations to ensure fair distribution.

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