Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

4 Apr 2022

Plans for Self-declaration of COVID-19-positive Status

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim inquired about the possibility of allowing individuals to self-declare their COVID-19-positive status, with penalties for false declarations, to ease the burden on general practitioners who are experiencing increased demand for verification services.
Ong Ye Kung explained that verifying Antigen Rapid Test results is essential for accurate record-keeping and can be done at various medical facilities and through telemedicine services.
The Ministry of Health has partnered with approved telemedicine providers to offer remote supervised self-ART services, providing more accessible options for obtaining official infection records.

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4 Apr 2022

Update on Assessment to Determine which Polyclinics and Public Health Preparedness Clinics Prescribe Paxlovid for COVID-19 Treatment

MOH is running a pilot programme where all polyclinics and 20 selected Public Health Preparedness Clinics (PHPCs) prescribe Paxlovid to clinically eligible patients within five days of illness, with possible future expansion.
Eligible patients can get Paxlovid prescriptions from 18 March 2022, and MOH will fully cover the drug cost regardless of vaccination status to reduce severe COVID-19 cases.
The policy will be reviewed later, and MOH maintains a healthy stock of Paxlovid to meet demand.

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4 Apr 2022

Reasons for Not Extending MediSave Usage to Health Screenings and Other Preventative Health Procedures

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim inquired why MediSave cannot be used for comprehensive health screenings and other preventative procedures like vaccinations not under the National Adult Immunisation Schedule or smoking cessation programmes.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung explained that MediSave is currently limited to nationally recommended vaccinations and screenings that are heavily subsidised or free, as they are deemed safe, cost-effective, and appropriate based on robust scientific evidence.
This policy safeguards MediSave funds to ensure savings for basic healthcare needs in old age and keeps contribution rates reasonable, while smoking cessation support is provided free through programmes like the Health Promotion Board’s "I Quit Programme."

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4 Apr 2022

Home Care Services that Received ElderCare Fund Disbursements

The ElderCare Fund's interest income in FY 2020 was only sufficient to cover about 20% of the operating subsidies for intermediate and long-term care services, with the remaining 80% funded by the government budget, and the disbursements for home care services included home medical, nursing, personal care, and therapy.
The low disbursement quantum is due to the fund's current interest income being insufficient to fully cover the annual operating subsidies for ILTC services, making it premature to consider using the fund for other purposes beyond these subsidies.
The government has implemented alternative support measures for informal caregivers, such as the Home Caregiving Grant (which will be increased in early 2023), the Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund, and other schemes like CareShield Life, ElderShield, and MediSave Care.

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4 Apr 2022

COVID-19 Booster Shot Requirements for International Travellers Entering Singapore

Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked if the government will require COVID-19 booster shots for international travellers to be considered fully vaccinated under domestic measures.
Ong Ye Kung stated that Singapore adopts WHO-recognised standards for full vaccination, requiring completion of a primary vaccine series at least 14 days before arrival for travel facilitation.
Travellers meeting WHO standards can access venues for 30 days without tests or Stay-Home Notices but must meet domestic vaccination requirements, including boosters, to continue privileges beyond 30 days.
MOH will offer vaccinations and boosters through private healthcare providers at full cost to help travellers meet domestic requirements after the grace period.

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4 Apr 2022

Repeat Cases of Non-compliance with Safe Management Measures

Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked about the number of repeat cases of non-compliance with safe management measures and whether harsher penalties are being considered for recalcitrant offenders.
Ong Ye Kung reported that between April 2020 and February 2022, 1,862 individuals and 286 enterprises were penalized as repeat offenders.
Harsher enforcement actions, including higher fines and prosecution, have been applied against these repeat and recalcitrant offenders.

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4 Apr 2022

Itemised Breakdown of COVID-19-related Government Expenditure

Lawrence Wong stated that MOF has been publicly releasing COVID-19 spending breakdowns on various platforms and through annual Budget Statements, with detailed commitments for FY2020 and FY2021 already available via parliamentary responses and the Estimates Committee report.
The FY2020 spending breakdown includes $13.8 billion for public health, $73.5 billion for livelihoods, and $10 billion for direct social support, with actual spending lower than initial estimates due to unused loan capital, which was later addressed in FY2021 packages.
FY2021 spending has just concluded, with final audited figures expected by the third quarter of 2022, and overall COVID-19 expenditure for FY2020 and FY2021 is projected to align closely with the August 2021 Estimates Committee report.
Breaking down COVID-19 expenditure by object classes (e.g., manpower, operating expenses) is not practicable because these categories cover multiple government functions beyond COVID-19, but outcome assessment reports are available on MOF’s website.

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4 Apr 2022

Average Annual Cost for Mental Health Treatment at Public Health Institutions and Proposal for Use of MediSave for such Treatment

The average annual post-subsidy cost for mental health outpatient treatment at polyclinics and public specialist outpatient clinics is about $110 and $270, respectively.
Patients can use MediSave up to $500 or $700 per year for mental health treatment under the Chronic Disease Management Programme, with most not exhausting these limits.
MediSave can already be used for mental health treatment at polyclinics and over 90 accredited private clinics, and more clinics are encouraged to apply for accreditation.

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4 Apr 2022

Support or Counselling for Witnesses Traumatised by Acts of Violence

Joan Pereira questioned the availability of psychological support or counselling for public witnesses traumatized by violent acts, such as recent knife and sword incidents.
Ong Ye Kung stated that for witnesses assisting in police investigations, the police may refer them to mental health helplines, counselling services, or the Institute of Mental Health for support.
The response clarifies that such support is available through police referrals but does not address wider public witnesses not involved in investigations.
The debate highlights the need for mental health resources for individuals affected by witnessing violence.
No specific policy changes or expansions of services were announced during the exchange.

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4 Apr 2022

Support for Mental Health Patients to Adhere to Treatments while Rehabilitating at Home

The Ministry of Health supports mental health patients post-discharge through care teams that help with treatment adherence and community reintegration, beginning with assessments and referrals before leaving acute hospitals.
Case managers and medical social workers follow up with patients and caregivers via phone calls or home visits, while polyclinics, general practitioners, and community intervention teams provide regular check-ins for stable patients.
Psychiatric day centres offer day care and skills training for patients living at home, and community partners assist with employment through training and job placement programmes.

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4 Apr 2022

Impact of Border Reopening on Private Drivers and Motorcycle Riders Making Trips between Singapore and Malaysia

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked if private drivers and motorcycle riders from Singapore can enter Malaysia and return after its border reopening on 1 April 2022, or if the Vaccinated Travel Lane (Land) scheme can be expanded for such private commuters.
S Iswaran confirmed that Singapore and Malaysia reopened land borders for fully vaccinated travellers from 31 March 2022, allowing them to cross the Causeway and Second Link via private vehicles like cars and motorcycles without testing or quarantine.
The government announced that fully vaccinated travellers and non-vaccinated children aged 12 and below can enter Singapore without border health measures, with details issued by the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
Designated vaccinated travel bus services and other transport modes are being progressively restored alongside private vehicle travel.

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4 Apr 2022

Incidence of Long COVID amidst Recovered Singaporeans

The Minister explained that long COVID is not a formal diagnosis and that the Ministry does not track the absolute number of people with persistent symptoms, though experts expect a smaller proportion of cases after the Omicron wave compared to earlier variants due to fewer severe infections and high vaccination rates.
For individuals with persistent symptoms, the advice is to seek medical attention if symptoms are severe, and treating physicians will provide guidance on management, recovery, and resuming work or school; support services are available based on medical needs.
The Ministry does not issue specific guidelines for employers or schools but emphasizes that medical professionals are best placed to advise on managing symptoms, and that persistent symptoms can also occur after other infectious diseases, not just COVID-19.

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4 Apr 2022

Removal of Maximum Annual Subsidy Cap under Seniors Mobility and Enabling Fund to Support Low-income Patients

Murali Pillai queried if the Ministry of Health would review the annual subsidy cap under the Seniors Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF) and consider removing the minimum age criterion of 60 for eligible patients.
Ong Ye Kung explained that SMF offers means-tested subsidies for consumables and assistive devices, with caps set at $1,200 and $2,000 per year, noting that over 80% of clients have not fully used their subsidies in the past three years.
The Ministry stated it will continue monitoring subsidy usage trends to ensure seniors' needs are met, while also highlighting alternative support schemes like the Home Caregiving Grant, CareShield Life, ElderShield, and MediSave Care.

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4 Apr 2022

Clarification by Member

Ms He Ting Ru clarified a resident's struggle with out-of-pocket medical costs despite MediSave and subsidies, leading to a request for a $500 higher claim limit.
She noted the resident considered cutting back on medications due to affordability issues, possibly from lack of awareness or confidence in applying for help.
The Senior Minister of State for Health suggested CPF might not be the correct channel for such referrals and highlighted alternative support like subsidized medications and generational subsidies.
The Minister offered to review the specific case details if provided, to explore available resources and ensure the patient receives necessary care.
Both parties agreed to share further details to address the resident's situation effectively.

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4 Apr 2022

Clarification by Senior Minister of State for Health

Senior Minister of State Dr Koh Poh Koon clarified a statement made by MP Ms He Ting Ru about residents cutting medication dosages due to cost, noting prior announcements on increased MediSave limits.
Ms He Ting Ru acknowledged the issues raised but requested time to verify the specific details of the cases she mentioned in her Meet-the-People sessions before responding fully.
The Speaker allowed Ms He Ting Ru to provide her response later, and Dr Koh expressed willingness to collaborate with the Ministry of Health to address any additional needs of the residents involved.

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4 Apr 2022

Protocol for Students who Test COVID-19-positive with Self-administered Antigen Rapid Tests Prior to School Academic Assessment

Students testing positive for COVID-19 via home antigen rapid tests are not required to produce a medical certificate to justify absence from school assessments, and their absence is considered valid under MOH protocols.
Schools may request photo evidence of the positive test result, and students who miss assessments due to COVID-19 can have their results rebased using other assessment components to reduce stress.
Parents or students facing difficulties with school policies on such absences are advised to contact MOE directly for resolution, as demonstrated by the Minister’s offer to investigate a specific case raised in the debate.

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4 Apr 2022

Streamlining Vaccination-differentiated Safe Management Measures for Coffee Shops and Canteens

The Minister outlined that coffee shops and canteens can now choose between allowing up to five persons dine-in without VDS checks or up to 10 persons with checks, after receiving feedback on implementation difficulties.
Operators wishing to implement the 10-person VDS must submit plans to SFA, which will respond within seven working days, and as of late March 2022, 237 premises had adopted this option.
SFA and Safe Distancing Ambassadors conduct regular compliance checks, and the government offers one-off cash support to affected SMEs, including in the F&B sector.
The Minister confirmed that awareness of time- and area-bound VDS is being improved and that VDS alignment across markets, hawker centres, coffee shops, and canteens will follow the Multi-Ministry Taskforce’s decisions.
The Ministry is reviewing the resumption of events like pasar malams as the situation allows, with past examples like Geylang Serai referenced.

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4 Apr 2022

Review of Safe Management Measures with Stability after COVID-19 Omicron Virus Wave

The Minister confirmed that relaxed safe management measures and the Vaccinated Travel Framework were implemented after the Omicron wave peaked, with a cautious step-by-step approach that includes considering further easing of distancing rules in F&B settings as cases subside.
TraceTogether and SafeEntry are under review; TraceTogether is no longer used for general contact tracing but may be retained for vulnerable sectors, while SafeEntry and Vaccination-Differentiated Safe Management Measures (VDS) remain for now to protect the unvaccinated minority and ease hospital burdens, with plans to step them down when the healthcare situation stabilizes.
Parliament members questioned the equity and practicality of maintaining VDS and SafeEntry for a small unvaccinated population, arguing it inconveniences the majority, but the Minister emphasized the current need to support healthcare workers and avoid additional hospital workload before transitioning to individual responsibility.

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4 Apr 2022

Announcement by Speaker

Parliament has revised safe management measures to allow all Members to be seated on the same floor for the first time since the 14th Parliament opened, while maintaining some group-based seating and break arrangements.
Members must remain masked at all times within Parliament House, except when speaking from designated rostrums or microphones in the Chamber, with special provisions for close contacts who have tested negative.
Public galleries are now open for attendees, and livestreams continue to be available, as Parliament adjusts measures in line with the government's shift towards living with COVID-19.

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11 Mar 2022

Requests from Households for Additional Antigen Rapid Test Kits in Past Year

In the past year, MOH received requests from households for additional antigen rapid test (ART) kits, but specific numbers broken down by monthly household income and dwelling type are not disclosed.
MOH has distributed over 200,000 ART kits to Social Service Offices and Family Service Centres for beneficiaries, alongside two nationwide free distributions in 2021, while also approving more brands to lower retail prices.
The Ministry has secured supply to meet current high demand during the Omicron wave and believes another nationwide distribution would not be the best use of existing stock, though it continues to make kits accessible through various channels.

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