Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

9 May 2023

Justification for Employers Only Accepting Medical Certificates Issued by Polyclinics

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked about the justification for employers only accepting medical certificates from polyclinics and whether there are guidelines on this requirement.
The Ministry of Manpower clarified that the Employment Act requires employers to accept medical certificates from any registered medical or dental practitioner for paid sick leave, not just polyclinics.
There are no separate guidelines for employers since this is clearly stated in law and on the Ministry’s website, and it is covered in educational efforts like the WorkRight initiative.

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9 May 2023

Enhancing End of Life with Choices and Dignity

Ms Ng Ling Ling highlighted that most Singaporeans wish to die at home but many currently die in medical settings, advocating for destigmatising end-of-life conversations, simplifying planning through instruments like AMD, LPA, and ACP, and expanding community-based palliative care options with support from family doctors.
Mr Yip Hon Weng emphasized the need for better caregiver support, including education, peer networks, respite care, and financial assistance, while questioning the affordability of palliative care and seeking updates on subsidies and funding models like the TTSH-Dover Park Hospice pilot.
Senior Parliamentary Secretary Rahayu Mahzam outlined government efforts to improve palliative care access, train healthcare professionals, enhance caregiver support through schemes like home-based respite care, and normalise end-of-life discussions via campaigns and digital tools, while reviewing financing frameworks to ensure affordability.

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9 May 2023

Supporting Healthcare

Multiple speakers argued that healthcare requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society effort, extending beyond the Ministry of Health to include education, workforce policies, and cross-ministry collaboration to address long-term challenges such as ageing, chronic diseases, and pandemic preparedness.
They highlighted systemic issues including healthcare worker shortages, burnout, and the need for better support such as competitive pay, flexible work arrangements, and improved shift management, while also calling for stronger respect and protection from public abuse.
The debates emphasized the importance of preventive health, education at all levels, and empowering patients through better health literacy, digital tools, and accessible information to navigate the healthcare system and manage chronic conditions.
Proposals included enhancing financial sustainability by reviewing healthcare financing, drug procurement, and insurance models to reduce costs for Singaporeans, while ensuring equitable support for vulnerable groups such as migrant workers, the elderly, and those with special needs.

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9 May 2023

Myocarditis Cases amongst Applicants for Vaccine Injury Financial Assistance Programme

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Minister for Health about the timing of myocarditis symptoms after COVID-19 vaccination, the number of cases referred to VIFAP, and the outcomes of those cases.
The Minister provided data showing that as of April 2023, 160 myocarditis cases were linked to vaccines, with 32% reporting symptoms within one day, 20% within two days, and 24% within a week of vaccination.
Out of about 340 cardiology-related VIFAP applications, 81 were approved for financial assistance, and the Minister confirmed that VIFAP assessments are based on the latest scientific understanding and that older cases can be retrospectively reviewed.

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8 May 2023

Directive Requiring Asymptomatic Healthcare Workers Tested Positive for COVID-19 to Return to Work

Miss Cheng Li Hui questioned whether the Ministry of Health has issued any directive or is aware of hospitals internally requiring asymptomatic COVID-19 positive healthcare workers to return to work.
Ong Ye Kung stated that with COVID-19 now endemic, it is treated like other infectious diseases, and unwell healthcare workers should take sick leave.
Ong Ye Kung explained that asymptomatic positive healthcare workers are not legally required to self-isolate and may work from home or return to on-site work with precautions like redeployment to non-patient facing areas.

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8 May 2023

Credibility and Adoption of AI-based Diagnostic Solutions

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim inquired about the Ministry of Health's assessment of AI-based diagnostic solutions' credibility and the key regulatory considerations for their widespread adoption.
Ong Ye Kung outlined Singapore's current use of AI in healthcare, including programs for diabetes prevention and eye disease diagnosis, and emphasized the Ministry's openness to AI if it is proven safe, effective, and cost-efficient.
The Ministry of Health has established safeguards, including guidelines for AI in healthcare, regulatory oversight by the Health Sciences Authority, and an upcoming AI Governance Framework to ensure safe and ethical deployment.
A Bioethics Advisory Committee draft report on ethical AI use in biomedical research was released for public consultation, and MOH will continue to study international best practices to refine its governance approach.

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8 May 2023

Review of Rare Disease Fund and Legislation to Support Citizen Patients Requiring Expensive Drug Treatments

Christopher de Souza questioned the Ministry of Health’s review of the Rare Disease Fund and potential financing schemes for citizens needing expensive treatments for rare diseases.
Ong Ye Kung explained the RDF, established in 2019, is a charity fund managed by a committee with community and medical experts, offering government matching and tax incentives for donations.
The fund currently focuses on life-threatening, lifelong treatments due to high costs and limited funds, but MOH is exploring broader coverage for novel therapies with the RDF committee.

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8 May 2023

Inclusion in Prenatal Classes of Lessons on Use of Infant Car Seats

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked if restructured hospitals can include lessons on infant car seat use and importance in prenatal classes, or explain why not.
Ong Ye Kung responded that the variety of car seats makes practical instruction in prenatal classes challenging, and not all parents attend such classes.
Resources on infant car seat safety and guidelines are available on HealthHub and hospital websites to reach a wider audience.
Parents are reminded about infant car seat importance during pre-delivery preparations and encouraged to bring one for discharge.

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8 May 2023

Non-compliance with Safety Guidelines on Wearing of Mask or Spit Guard in Food Preparation

The Ministry has conducted multiple industry engagements and issued advisories through media statements and posters to remind food operators of the mask or spit guard requirement, with enforcement actions also publicized to raise awareness.
All food handlers in retail food establishments must pass the WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1, and this will extend to non-retail establishments from July 2023, with periodic refresher courses required for certification renewal.
The Ministry supports training by approving 79 providers for the WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1 and offers subsidies through SkillsFuture Singapore for eligible individuals and SMEs.

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8 May 2023

Plans to Extend Project Wolbachia to Sites with High Aedes Aegypti Mosquito Population

Melvin Yong inquired about the potential extension of Project Wolbachia to more areas, particularly where high Aedes aegypti populations have been detected.
Grace Fu explained that NEA is taking a cautious, phased approach to the pilot project, expanding it to eight sites last year to study its impact on dengue transmission.
Project Wolbachia currently covers 300,000 households and benefits one million residents, representing 30% of HDB blocks and 9% of landed homes.
NEA plans to continue evaluating the technology and collaborate with partners to increase production and release capacity before expanding to more sites in the coming years.
The government emphasizes a gradual expansion strategy to ensure the technology's effectiveness and safety are thoroughly assessed.

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8 May 2023

Convictions and Penalties for Harassment or Abuse of Public Healthcare Workers

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Home Affairs for statistics over the past five years on convictions for harassment or abuse of public healthcare workers while on duty, including the average and median fines and imprisonment lengths.
K Shanmugam responded that the Police do not track the average and median sentences of convicted cases.
The debate highlights a gap in the availability of detailed sentencing data for convictions related to harassment or abuse of public healthcare workers.

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8 May 2023

Profile of Influenza Patients and Adequacy of Vaccine Supply

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked about the breakdown of influenza cases by age, severe cases, vaccination rates among seniors, and vaccine supply.
The Ministry of Health reported 68 severe influenza cases and seven deaths in the first four months of 2023, with no detailed yearly data.
Vaccination uptake among seniors aged 65 to 74 was 32.4% in 2021, and high-risk groups are strongly recommended to get vaccinated.
The government confirmed there has been no shortage of influenza vaccine supply.

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8 May 2023

Response to Advanced Medical Directive and Advanced Care Plan

Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Health about the number of Singaporeans who signed Advanced Medical Directives (AMD) and Advance Care Plans (ACP) in the past five years, whether there are targets for older Singaporeans, and plans to boost awareness and completion rates.
Ong Ye Kung responded that 23,700 Singaporeans signed AMDs and 26,500 made ACPs in the last five years, and the Ministry encourages everyone to discuss and document their healthcare preferences.
A nationwide campaign will launch later this year with roadshows, media efforts, and a digital campaign to raise awareness about planning ahead.
The My Legacy portal, launched in 2020, serves as a one-stop resource for end-of-life issues, and the Ministry will continue making it easier for Singaporeans to plan.

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8 May 2023

Progress on Construction of New Serangoon Polyclinic

Seah Kian Peng requested an update on the construction progress of the new Serangoon Polyclinic and asked when it would begin operating to serve local residents.
Ong Ye Kung confirmed that the polyclinic is under construction and is on track to open by 2025.
The debate highlighted the government’s commitment to expanding healthcare infrastructure in the Serangoon area.

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8 May 2023

Additional Annual Subsidies for Outpatient MRI Scans for Retired or Low-income Citizens

Carrie Tan proposed additional annual subsidies for outpatient MRI scans for retired or low-income citizens, citing high scan costs.
Ong Ye Kung detailed existing subsidies, including means-tested support of up to 70%, extra benefits for Pioneer and Merdeka Generation seniors, and MediSave usage capped at $300 annually for scans.
He emphasized that seniors can access additional Flexi-MediSave benefits and financial aid like MediFund, assuring that no one is denied healthcare due to cost.
MOH committed to continuously reviewing healthcare financing to ensure affordability and accessibility for all.

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8 May 2023

Options for Students Requiring Long-term In-patient Care for Physical or Mental Health Issues

Darryl David asked the Minister for Education about schooling options for students needing long-term in-patient care for physical or mental health issues while hospitalized.
Chan Chun Sing explained that schools collaborate with families and healthcare professionals to support these students and facilitate their transition back to school when ready.
Support includes teachers and peers maintaining contact through voice or video calls, schools providing learning resources, and socio-emotional support.
The Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board works with schools to offer examination arrangements, such as taking papers in hospitals or applying for extra time as needed.

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8 May 2023

More Resources to Support Provision of Medical Escort Services for Elderly from Lower-income Households

Joan Pereira requested additional dedicated resources and funding for social service agencies to scale up hiring and training for medical escort services for lower-income elderly with mobility needs and no caregiver.
Ong Ye Kung stated that the Ministry of Health already funds Medical Escort and Transport services for frail seniors and noted current capacity is generally sufficient, though demand will grow with an ageing population.
He highlighted existing grants like the Community Silver Trust and Professional Capability Grant to support capability building in community care and social service agencies.
He mentioned manpower recruitment and training initiatives under the Agency for Integrated Care, including courses for safe management of seniors with mobility needs.

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8 May 2023

Scaling Up Polyclinics' Capacity to Accommodate More Walk-in Patients with Urgent Conditions

Joan Pereira raised concerns about polyclinics’ capacity to handle walk-in patients with urgent conditions, especially seniors, prompting questions on scaling up services.
Senior Minister of State Janil Puthucheary outlined plans to expand polyclinics and collaborate with GP clinics, emphasizing triage for urgent walk-ins and reliance on appointments for non-urgent cases.
MPs highlighted issues with online booking systems and limited walk-in slots, urging improvements and questioning the effectiveness of schemes like CHAS in diverting patients from polyclinics.
The Ministry acknowledged the need to refine appointment and queuing processes, consider senior prioritization during triage, and explore integrating GP clinics into online booking systems.
Overall, the debate stressed balancing polyclinic capacity with GP partnerships, addressing accessibility challenges, and ensuring seniors and those with mobility issues receive timely care.

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21 Apr 2023

Number of Speech and Language Therapists Registered to Practise and Waiting Time to Get a First Appointment Through Public Healthcare System

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Health for the number of speech and language therapists registered to practise and the average waiting time for a first public appointment over the last five years.
Ong Ye Kung stated that the data on registered therapists is available in the Allied Health Professions Council’s Annual Report 2022 on their website.
Ong Ye Kung said the average waiting time for a first appointment with a speech and language therapist in the public healthcare system was five weeks from 2018 to 2022.

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21 Apr 2023

Percentage of Healthcare System's Carbon Footprint due to Desflurane and Plans to Reduce Its Use

Leon Perera asked for the percentage of Singapore’s healthcare carbon footprint caused by anaesthetics, the share of desflurane in anaesthetic use, and whether there are plans to reduce or phase out desflurane due to its high carbon footprint.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung stated that the Ministry of Health tracks public healthcare emissions from fuel and electricity but does not collect data on medical gas impacts.
The Ministry noted ongoing efforts to reduce desflurane use where medically appropriate, with its proportion dropping from 28–68% across institutions in 2019 to 5–42% in 2022.

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