Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

5 Apr 2022

Mean and Median Overtime Hours Worked Per Month Per Nurse and Per Doctor in Past Five Years

Louis Ng asked the Minister for Health for the mean and median overtime hours worked per month per nurse and per doctor for each of the past five years.
Ong Ye Kung responded that the Ministry of Health does not track this data as overtime arrangements are managed by healthcare clusters and depend on operational needs.
The Minister acknowledged the hard work and extra effort of healthcare workers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent Omicron wave.
He assured that public healthcare clusters will strive to allow staff to rest, recharge, and take leave as the current wave subsides.

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5 Apr 2022

Number of Patients with Re-infections of COVID-19 and Severity of such Cases

From November 2021 to March 2022, Singapore detected 8,845 COVID-19 reinfection cases.
The vast majority of reinfections were mild, with only one ICU admission and two deaths reported.
Most reinfection cases occurred in individuals below 60 years of age.

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5 Apr 2022

Possibility for Voluntary Selection of Nuvaxovid Instead of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked if the Ministry of Health plans to allow voluntary selection of the Nuvaxovid vaccine instead of mRNA vaccines for the general population and for individuals aged 12 to 17.
Ong Ye Kung confirmed that individuals can choose Nuvaxovid when it becomes available under the national programme, provided it aligns with the Expert Committee's recommendations.
He noted that Novavax has not yet applied for use of Nuvaxovid for persons under 18, and the Health Sciences Authority will evaluate data before making recommendations for adolescents.

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5 Apr 2022

Higher Incidence of Dry Eye and Other Diseases Given Work-from-home Trend and Their Possible Inclusion in Work Injury Compensation Coverage

Melvin Yong asked whether the Ministry would study the increased frequency of health issues like dry eye and musculoskeletal disorders due to work-from-home arrangements and if the Work Injury Compensation Act should be amended to cover them.
Tan See Leng responded that current claims data does not show a link between telecommuting and these health issues, noting that sectors with high rates of such disorders, like manufacturing and construction, do not typically involve telecommuting.
The Minister stated that dry eye disease is already compensable if it arises from employment, but it can also be caused by non-work factors, and the list of occupational diseases is reviewed as needed.
The Workplace Safety and Health Council is promoting safe telecommuting practices, including ergonomic adjustments and regular screen breaks to mitigate eye and neck strain.
The Ministry will continue monitoring workplace trends and medical evidence to determine if further changes to compensation coverage are necessary.

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5 Apr 2022

Effectiveness of National Dengue Prevention Campaign

The National Dengue Prevention Campaign is assessed annually through post-campaign surveys that show it effectively raises public awareness on dengue prevention, with findings used to improve future outreach.
The NEA uses daily dengue case data and fortnightly gravitrap data to identify high-risk areas, prioritizing more frequent inspections in HDB estates and other locations with higher mosquito breeding risk.
In 2021, the NEA conducted about 631,000 islandwide inspections for mosquito breeding, uncovering approximately 18,500 breeding habitats through this targeted approach.

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5 Apr 2022

Plans for Relaxation of Vaccination-differentiated Measures and Use of TraceTogether Data

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked about the medium-term plans for relaxing vaccination-differentiated measures and whether COVID-19 status would be treated differently from other endemic diseases.
Leong Mun Wai inquired if the Government intends to maintain Vaccination-differentiated Safe Management Measures after borders reopen further.
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim also questioned the current use of TraceTogether data for high-traffic venues and the timeline for abolishing entry protocols.
The Senior Minister of State for Health referred to previous replies and emphasized the shift toward social responsibility, noting that TraceTogether use would adapt based on public health risks.
The debate highlighted ongoing considerations for transitioning from mandated measures to individual responsibility in managing COVID-19.

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5 Apr 2022

Investigation into Case Involving Expectant Mother Losing Her Child after Being Allegedly Left Unattended at Emergency Department of NUH

The Ministry of Health confirmed that NUH investigated the incident, found clinical care appropriate, and identified improvements in communication and coordination between departments, which have been implemented.
The hospital and family have resolved the matter privately, with the family acknowledging the mother received care and that the loss was not due to hospital actions, while NUH enhanced timely and empathetic patient communication protocols.
The healthcare system emphasized triaging based on severity, denying no patient care, and thanked workers for professionalism, while also providing support services for staff affected by public allegations and incidents.

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4 Apr 2022

Number of Unvaccinated Employees Ceasing Employment in Last Three Months

Dr. Tan Wu Meng inquired about the number of unvaccinated employees who ceased employment between January and March 2022.
Minister Tan See Leng reported that as of March 2022, 98.4% of the workforce was vaccinated and unvaccinated employees had dropped to 36,900.
The Minister stated that detailed data on unvaccinated employees who stopped working since January 2022 would be available only in mid-2022.

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4 Apr 2022

Increase in Number of Reported Incidents of Food-related Anaphylaxis in Children and Assistance for Those from Low-income Families

Dr Shahira Abdullah asked whether there has been an increase in reported food-related anaphylaxis incidents among children and if the Ministry will subsidise EpiPens for low-income families.
Ong Ye Kung confirmed an increase in inpatient admissions for food-related anaphylaxis in children aged 18 and below, from 49 in 2016 to 111 in 2020.
Epinephrine injections administered by physicians in public healthcare institutions are subsidised, but EpiPen auto-injectors are not currently eligible for drug subsidies.
Patients facing financial difficulties can seek assistance from medical social workers at public healthcare institutions for specific support.
The debate highlights concerns about rising anaphylaxis cases and the need for affordable access to life-saving medication for vulnerable families.

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4 Apr 2022

Number of Weeks Medical Staff Rostered for Extra Duties in Last Six Months

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Health for the number of weeks medical staff were rostered for extra duties in the last six months, broken down by senior doctors, junior doctors, nursing staff, and other allied healthcare professionals.
Minister Ong Ye Kung explained that rostering for extra duties has always occurred to cover sick leave or vacations, with increased pressure during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially due to the Omicron variant.
The Ministry of Health does not track this data as it involves operational arrangements by healthcare clusters and exigencies of service, and efforts are now focused on helping staff rest as the pandemic wave subsides.

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4 Apr 2022

Number and Profile of Patients Suffering from Long COVID

He Ting Ru requested a breakdown of long COVID patients by duration, demographics, vaccination status, and whether the Ministry tracks impacts on work, study, and daily activities.
Ong Ye Kung responded that the question was already addressed in a reply given on 4 April 2022 regarding the incidence of long COVID among recovered Singaporeans.

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4 Apr 2022

Waiver or Review of Termination of Pregnancy Regulations in Cases of Impossibility of Survival of Unborn Child and to Reduce Anguish to Parents

Sylvia Lim asked if mandatory counselling and a 48-hour waiting period apply when termination is medically required due to the unborn child’s inability to survive, and if these rules can be reviewed to reduce parents’ anguish.
Ong Ye Kung clarified that these requirements are waived only when termination is immediately necessary to save the woman’s life or prevent grave permanent injury to her health.
For cases of foetal anomalies not compatible with life, the counselling and waiting period still apply, with counsellors tailoring support to the woman’s psychosocial and emotional needs.
The 48-hour lapse is intended to balance avoiding undue delays in urgent cases with allowing time for informed decision-making, with additional support from medical social workers if needed.

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4 Apr 2022

Disability Assessments for ElderShield Payouts

Don Wee asked the Minister for Health about the conditions for waiving disability assessments for ElderShield payouts and reducing the frequency of assessments for very severe cases.
Ong Ye Kung stated that ElderShield claimants assessed as permanently severely disabled generally do not need regular reassessments unless their condition changes.
After the transfer of ElderShield administration to the government in November 2021, a one-time disability status refresh is being conducted, and once completed, claimants will not require future regular reassessments.
Due to healthcare manpower shortages from COVID-19, the ministry extended the deadline for disability reassessments by three months, with claimants continuing to receive payouts during this period.

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4 Apr 2022

Enabling Polyclinics to Fill Prescriptions made by Private House-call Doctors and Convenient Options for Patients whose Prescriptions Are Not Carried at Pharmacies

Member Yip Hon Weng asked if polyclinics could fill prescriptions from private house-call doctors and what convenient alternatives exist if pharmacies lack the medication.
Minister Ong Ye Kung noted that only some polyclinics can handle private prescriptions due to capacity constraints, which may cause wait times and crowding.
He added that retail pharmacies can fill prescriptions from private house-call providers, and MOH will review ways to improve medication accessibility, including working with private providers.

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4 Apr 2022

Additional Financial Resources for Cancer Patients to Draw on under Recommended Changes by MediShield Life Council

Ms Sylvia Lim asked whether cancer patients will have additional financial resources to cover cancer scan costs beyond the current $600 annual MediSave withdrawal limit under the new MediShield Life changes.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung stated that from September 2022, patients receiving cancer drug treatments can claim up to an additional $1,200 per year for outpatient costs like scans, separate from cancer drug treatment limits.
Patients undergoing radiotherapy can claim scan costs under radiotherapy limits ranging from $300 to $1,800 per treatment, while inpatient scans remain claimable under inpatient limits.
Those with Integrated Shield Plans may also claim scan costs from their IP where applicable, and Singaporeans facing financial difficulties can seek further assistance through MediFund.

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4 Apr 2022

Plans to Implement Use of Clear Masks in Preschool Settings to Enable Infants and Toddlers to Observe Lip Movements of Teachers in Their Language Acquisition

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked if there are plans to implement clear masks in preschools so infants and toddlers can observe lip movements during language acquisition.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M stated that while evidence on mask-wearing effects is limited, masks can impact younger children's access to visual language cues, and noted that preschools already have flexibility to use transparent masks, with over 7,000 distributed in 2021 to support children with developmental needs.
The government is gradually easing mask requirements in early education settings, starting March 2022, by allowing selected teachers and students with additional or developmental needs to remove masks during language lessons, with consideration for future expansion.

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4 Apr 2022

Complaints About Vaccination-Differentiated Safe Management Measures in Schools, JCs and Polytechnics in Past Six Months

Leong Mun Wai asked the Minister for Education for the number of complaints received regarding Vaccination-Differentiated Safe Management Measures in Primary and Secondary schools, JCs, and Polytechnics over the past six months.
Chan Chun Sing stated that access to education remains MOE's priority and COVID-19 vaccination is not required for physical attendance or core school activities.
MOE aligns with national public health measures for higher-risk activities, such as allowing up to 30 vaccinated individuals for larger team sports.
Only a small number of feedback and queries have been received on enhanced requirements for higher-risk activities, which MOE explained are in line with national posture to protect unvaccinated individuals.
MOE has responded to students and parents to clarify that these measures are to safeguard health due to the higher infection risk for the unvaccinated.

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4 Apr 2022

Number of Licensed Nursing Home Beds Needed for Next Five Years

Gan Thiam Poh sought projections on nursing home bed needs for the next five years and government actions to meet them.
Ong Ye Kung stated there are about 16,300 licensed beds and plans to add roughly 5,000 by 2025.
The government increases capacity by developing purpose-built homes, supporting redevelopment, and releasing land for operators.
MOH will monitor utilisation rates and adjust plans to address evolving care needs.

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4 Apr 2022

Occupancy Rates at Public and Private Hospitals and Capacity to Admit New Inpatients

Sylvia Lim asked the Minister for Health about the current occupancy rates of public and private hospitals and their capacity to admit new inpatients.
Ong Ye Kung reported that as of end February 2022, public hospitals had 9,728 beds with an average occupancy rate of 88.5%.
He also stated that private hospitals had 1,929 beds with an average occupancy rate of 47% as of the same date.
The response did not provide specific figures on the capacity to admit new inpatients beyond the bed occupancy rates.
The debate focused on current occupancy data without delving into future capacity planning or policy implications.

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4 Apr 2022

Target Waiting Time for Subsidised Patients between First and Second Specialist Patient Appointments at Public Health Institutions

The Minister for Health explained that there is no target waiting time between first and second specialist appointments because the interval depends on clinical factors such as severity, need for monitoring, and treatment plans.
Public health institutions do not track waiting times for the second appointment, but patients can contact their Specialist Outpatient Clinic for an earlier review if their condition requires it.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, measures were implemented to manage patient backlogs, including prioritising high-need cases, offering teleconsultations, delivering medications, and conducting regular case reviews to ensure continuity of care.

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