Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

4 Jul 2022

Spit Guards Instead of Masks for Hawkers and Food and Beverage Handlers Working at Stalls at Coffee Shops and Hawker Centres

Ms Hany Soh asked whether hawkers and food handlers at coffee shops and hawker centres could use spit guards instead of masks.
The Singapore Food Agency requires masks or spit guards to prevent food contamination but notes the national COVID-19 mandate currently requires masks indoors, including at most hawker stalls.
SFA previously allowed spit guards pre-COVID and will do so again if the indoor mask mandate is lifted.
Mask-wearing remains crucial for public health and will continue to be enforced in indoor settings until guidelines change.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Jul 2022

Proposal for National Cancer Care Appeals Board to Consider Appeals from Doctors of Patients with Complex Cancers on Non-standard Therapies

Gerald Giam proposed establishing a National Cancer Care Appeals Board to review appeals from doctors for complex cancer patients needing non-standard therapies and decide on insurance coverage and MediSave use.
The Minister for Health indicated the issue would be addressed in a reply to other members on 5 July 2022, deferring a detailed response.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Jul 2022

Number of Aedes Mosquitoes Breeding Sites Found at Construction Sites and Stop Work Orders Issued over Past Two Years

In 2020, 2021, and 2022 to-date, about 9%, 8%, and 13% of inspected construction sites had mosquito breeding, with 37, 43, and 65 Stop Work Orders issued respectively.
The National Environment Agency conducts regular inspections and takes strict enforcement action, including fines up to $20,000 and imprisonment for contractors, with harsher penalties for repeat offenders.
NEA collaborates with industry associations and agencies to keep construction sites free of breeding sites, while noting that most breeding habitats are in residential homes, urging collective vigilance against dengue.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Jul 2022

Monitoring of Long COVID and Post-COVID-19 Health Issues Experienced by Patients

Dr Lim Wee Kiak inquired about the number of vaccinated COVID-19 patients with long COVID symptoms and how many faced prolonged complications or daily routine difficulties, as well as the count of healthcare institutions with post-COVID evaluation programmes and whether high-risk groups would be referred for evaluation by default.
Minister Ong Ye Kung responded that the first question should refer to a combined oral reply from April 2022 and noted that clinical follow-up for post-COVID issues is tailored to individual medical issues and risk factors, with decisions made by clinicians based on relevant factors.
The debate highlighted concerns about tracking long COVID impacts and the need for structured evaluation programmes, while emphasizing personalized care approaches for affected patients.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Jul 2022

Risk Factors of Transmission and Being Infected by Monkeypox Virus

The Ministry of Health noted that monkeypox transmission requires close or prolonged physical contact, and global data from early 2022 indicates most cases are in men, particularly men who have sex with men, with the general public at low risk.
Vulnerable groups like young children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals face higher risks of severe illness, while Singapore has implemented protocols such as isolation, contact tracing, and travel health declarations to manage cases.
Mass vaccination with the smallpox vaccine is not recommended due to potential severe side effects outweighing benefits for the low-risk general population, though it may be considered for high-risk occupational groups like healthcare workers.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Jul 2022

Clarification by Senior Minister of State for Manpower and Sustainability and the Environment

Dr Koh Poh Koon clarified that Ms He Ting Ru's claim of a senior cutting medication dosages due to cost was misrepresented, as the resident only declined a dosage increase and later received increased MediSave limits and medication subsidies after appeals were processed.
Ms He Ting Ru acknowledged the available support systems but emphasized that residents often feel demoralized and unaware of these avenues, leading to perceptions of an uncaring system and unnecessary hurdles.
Dr Koh Poh Koon stressed the importance of accurate facts in parliamentary discourse, noting that Ms He raised her concerns before agencies could respond, which unfairly characterized the system and overlooked existing assistance mechanisms.
Both speakers agreed that while MPs should advocate for residents, it is crucial to base statements on verified information to avoid undermining public trust in government agencies.
The debate highlighted ongoing efforts to improve system awareness and accessibility, ensuring vulnerable individuals receive timely support without undue distress.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 May 2022

Median Waiting Time for Booking of New Appointment at Specialist Outpatient Clinics in Public Healthcare Institutions

Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Health for median waiting times over the past five years for new specialist outpatient appointments, split by all patients, private-paying, and subsidised patients, as well as the percentage of patients transferring to private healthcare and the number of non-urgent procedures postponed.
The Minister responded that public hospitals and National Specialist Centres reported 3% to 5% postponement of non-urgent procedures in 2021, and that data on patients switching to private healthcare is not tracked.
The Minister provided a table with the requested median waiting time data for each of the past five years, broken down by patient category.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 May 2022

Total Amount of Quarantine Order Allowance Distributed to Affected Persons since 2 November 2021

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Health for the total amount of Quarantine Order Allowance distributed since 2 November 2021.
Ong Ye Kung responded that between 2 November 2021 and 30 April 2022, $19.35 million was distributed to eligible applicants under the Quarantine Order Allowance Scheme.
The figure covers the period specified and reflects payments made to affected persons under the scheme.
The response confirms the total amount distributed within the timeframe without further breakdowns or additional details.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 May 2022

Mandatory Counselling before Abortion Procedures to Include Booklets on Various Alternatives to Abortion and Avenues of Support for Single Mothers

Christopher de Souza suggested that mandatory pre-abortion counselling include booklets covering alternatives to abortion like adoption and support for single mothers.
Ong Ye Kung confirmed that the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social and Family Development, and Health Promotion Board have updated the pre-abortion counselling booklet to include alternatives and support resources.
The updated booklet, which covers options such as raising the child or adoption and available social support, was distributed to all approved institutions under the Termination of Pregnancy Act by 31 March 2022.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 May 2022

Provision of Centralised Hotline to Provide Assistance and Guidance to Families whose Loved Ones Passed Away at Home

Joan Pereira proposed a centralised hotline to assist families whose loved ones pass away at home during off-hours and suggested involving more medical professionals for such cases.
Ong Ye Kung explained that individuals with advanced illnesses are typically under regular care, and providers often offer after-hours support for death-related assistance.
He also noted that for sudden natural deaths, some private GPs or 24-hour house call services can certify death at home.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 May 2022

Proposal to Increase Egg Freezing Age Limit to Benefit More Women

Miss Cheng Li Hui proposed raising the egg freezing age limit to 40 and allowing appeals for those over 35, asking for the considerations behind such decisions.
Ong Ye Kung explained that the current age limit of 35 is based on scientific evidence of declining egg quality, risks of the procedure, and the need to manage expectations and prevent false hope.
He noted that MOH will review the age limit periodically and consider appeals from women slightly above the limit, with details to be provided to assisted reproduction centers.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 May 2022

Update on Smoking Cessation Programmes and Persons Caught Possessing E-cigarettes and Related Accessories at Causeway Checkpoints

The parliamentary session addressed two questions from Mr. Yip Hon Weng regarding the success rates and goals of Singapore's smoking cessation programmes and the enforcement of penalties for illegal vaping.
A specific query was raised about the number of individuals caught with e-cigarettes at Causeway checkpoints since January 2022 and the measures to prevent the importation of such products.
Minister Ong Ye Kung responded that the questions had already been addressed in a previous written reply from May 9, 2022, indicating that no new updates were provided during this debate.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 May 2022

Completion Date of New Serangoon Polyclinic Located at Junction of Upper Serangoon Road and Serangoon Central

Mr Seah Kian Peng inquired about potential delays to the new Serangoon Polyclinic's completion at its specified location.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung confirmed the project is on schedule with demolition completed.
Construction is expected to commence by the end of this year.
The polyclinic is on track to open by 2025, barring unforeseen circumstances.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 May 2022

Update on Steps Taken to Delay and Prevent Dementia and Increasing Awareness for Need for Community Screening

The Minister explained that dementia can be delayed or prevented through healthy lifestyle habits and the management of chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
He stated that there is no international evidence supporting population-wide screening for dementia in asymptomatic individuals, so Singapore’s approach remains targeted.
Current efforts focus on increasing dementia literacy, early identification of at-risk individuals in the community, and referrals for early intervention.
Community outreach teams reached 150,000 people in the past year and assisted 4,000 individuals at risk of dementia or mental health conditions.
The Ministry is not currently planning community screening for Mild Cognitive Impairment but continues to emphasize awareness and early intervention.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 May 2022

Accomodating Sick Children Who Do Not Have COVID-19 and Do Not Have Alternative Help from Family Members at Infant Care and Childcare Centres

The Minister highlighted that preschools must follow MOH infection control guidelines to protect children and staff by requiring unwell children to stay home until fully recovered, with exceptions for non-infectious cases certified by a doctor.
Working parents of Singaporean children under seven receive six days of paid childcare leave annually, plus annual leave, and employers are encouraged to offer flexible work arrangements to help manage sick children.
The government continues to work with tripartite partners to support family-friendly measures, acknowledging challenges parents face when children are sick but emphasizing the need to prevent disease spread in childcare centres.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 May 2022

Data on Number of Requests to Deregister from TraceTogether Programme

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Prime Minister for monthly data on the number of users requesting to deregister from TraceTogether over the last year.
The Prime Minister’s office responded that approximately 5,900 users were deregistered between January 2021 and April 2022, averaging 370 per month.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 May 2022

Percentage of Polyclinics and GP Clinics Able to Access and Input Into National Electronic Health Records System

As of April 2022, all polyclinics and nearly 60% of private GP clinics have access to the National Electronic Health Records (NEHR) system.
Under the Healthier SG initiative, care providers will be able to access, update, and share patients’ medical records via NEHR to track conditions and progress.
A Health Information Bill will be introduced to govern secure data sharing and access processes within the NEHR framework.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 May 2022

Use of Traditional Chinese Medicine Lianhua Qingwen Jiao Nang Capsules in Singapore

The government classifies Lianhua Qingwen Jiao Nang capsules as Chinese Proprietary Medicines approved for cold and flu symptom relief, not for disease prevention or treatment.
There is no conclusive evidence from controlled clinical studies to support claims that the capsules can prevent or treat COVID-19, despite such claims circulating online.
A local study is currently underway to investigate the effectiveness of the capsules in reducing COVID-19 symptoms.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 May 2022

Measures to Prevent E-cigarettes from Flowing into Singapore with Reopening of Land Border with Malaysia

The Ministry of Health employs a multi-pronged approach, including checkpoint inspections with advanced screening technologies and pre-arrival risk assessments to detect and confiscate e-cigarettes, with nearly 300 persons caught importing vaporizers at Causeway checkpoints from January to mid-April 2022.
Public education efforts are underway, such as the Health Promotion Board’s planned vape-free campaign targeting youths and young adults via digital platforms to highlight the dangers and illegality of vaping, alongside smoking cessation programs like the “I Quit” Programme offering support for up to six months.
Success rates for smoking cessation programs in Singapore range from 10% to 20% annually, comparable to international standards, and individuals seeking help to quit vaping will not face penalties when accessing professional support or participating in cessation programs.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 May 2022

Measures to Proactively Detect and Support Adults Losing Mental Capacity and Without Family Support and Lasting Power of Attorney

The Ministry of Health and the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) have deployed 68 community outreach teams to identify at-risk adults, encourage future care planning, and promote arrangements like Lasting Power of Attorney (AIC); it is also training family doctors on mental capacity assessments.
For adults losing capacity without family support or an LPA, the Professional Deputies scheme allows healthcare and social service touchpoints to refer cases to registered deputies, with the Office of the Public Guardian assigning a Panel Deputy if the individual lacks financial means.
These measures aim to proactively detect cognitive decline and ensure decision-making support is available, though the approach relies on existing outreach and a voluntary deputy system rather than automatic appointments.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source