Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

7 Mar 2022

Announcement by Speaker

The Speaker announced that close contacts of COVID-19 who test negative on ART can attend Parliament but must deliver speeches from a separate floor to reduce density.
This mirrors pandemic-era arrangements where such members participated from the additional Galleries on Level Three, with the Speaker emphasizing continued vigilance.
The public can follow proceedings via a live screening in the Auditorium or through an online livestream, underscoring that personal responsibility and adherence to health protocols are paramount.

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4 Mar 2022

Banning Smoking in Casinos and Measures in Place to Safeguard Health of Workers Within Premises

The government confirmed that both casinos in Singapore have implemented house rules separating smoking and non-smoking gaming areas with measures like negative air pressure and ionisers to mitigate second-hand smoke.
It was stated that potential casino employees are informed about the smoking environment during hiring, and the government continues to review smoking prohibition regulations periodically.
The Minister acknowledged the query about a potential smoking ban in casinos but highlighted the existing separation and mitigation measures as the current safeguard for worker and public health.

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4 Mar 2022

Update on Proposed Guidelines for Insurers to Adopt Fair and Responsible Practices Towards Persons with Disabilities and Mental Health Conditions

Leon Perera asked for an update on proposed guidelines for insurers to treat persons with disabilities and those with mental health conditions fairly, and the reasons for delays.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) have engaged insurers to ensure fair practices, with reviews finding no unfair underwriting but noting communication improvements needed.
MAS will codify fair underwriting principles into guidelines, ensuring applications from persons with disabilities are assessed on risk-relevant information rather than disability status alone.
The guidelines' scope has been expanded to include a broader range of financial institutions and customers, with public consultation expected in the second half of 2022.
MAS and MSF continue to engage stakeholders, and the Life Insurance Association is developing a consumer guide to enhance transparency in insurers' risk assessments.

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4 Mar 2022

Improving Information Sharing and Integration of Processes between Healthcare Clusters to Enhance Patient Experience

The Ministry is enhancing patient experience through the National Electronic Health Record system, a common pharmacy system, and a national charging and billing system to improve information sharing and process integration across healthcare clusters.
Common digital services like appointment scheduling and bill payments are available on the national HealthHub app and portal, with cluster-specific apps also offering these services to reduce duplication and allow for customized features.
The Ministry is studying the integration of healthcare functionalities into platforms like LifeSG but notes that engagement with healthcare providers may require specific user experiences alongside common backend services.

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3 Mar 2022

Mean and Median Costs in Public Hospitals for Fresh and Frozen In-vitro Fertilisation Cycle

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Health for the mean and median costs of fresh and frozen IVF cycles in public hospitals over the past five years.
Ong Ye Kung provided the mean and median charges for both fresh and frozen IVF cycles from 2017 to 2021 in local public Assisted Reproduction centres, as detailed in Table 1.
The response confirmed the data was available for the requested periods, covering both types of IVF cycles.

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3 Mar 2022

Cases of Suicide among Suspects, Accused Persons and Convicted Persons in Last Five Years

Between 2017 and 2021, there was one case of suicide among individuals in official custody, though the government does not track cases for those not under official custody, noting that multiple unrelated social and environmental factors often contribute to such incidents.
The police and investigative agencies refer accused persons or suspects identified with mental health needs to the Institute of Mental Health for assessment and treatment, or to the Home Team Community Assistance and Referral Scheme for social interventions like counselling, but emphasize that families play a key role in early identification and seeking help.
For convicted persons, the Singapore Prison Service conducts mental health assessments, housing those with stable conditions in general population with regular psychiatric oversight and those needing specialised care in the Psychiatric Housing Unit with multidisciplinary support, while also arranging post-release follow-up care through IMH or polyclinics.

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3 Mar 2022

Reviews on Necessity of TraceTogether and SafeEntry Scans

Leon Perera raised questions about the frequency of reviews, metrics, and the impact on businesses regarding the continued use of TraceTogether and SafeEntry.
The Ministry of Health responded that these systems remain important for enforcing vaccination-differentiated measures and are regularly reviewed to be simplified as needed.
When asked about criteria for phasing out, the Ministry emphasized that the decision depends on when COVID-19 becomes endemic and no longer requires such measures, citing the systems' proven effectiveness in saving lives and reducing cases.

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3 Mar 2022

Review of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for Children Aged Five and Under

The Ministry of Health, in consultation with its Expert Committee, is examining vaccine strategies for children under five based on risk-benefit assessments, noting that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is currently approved only for ages five and above and its use for younger children is under study.
Officials indicated that clinical data for all vaccine candidates, including non-mRNA options, is being reviewed for potential authorization, and parents are advised to rely on hygiene, testing, and community protocols to protect unvaccinated young children.
The Ministry continues to monitor vaccine effectiveness in children across age groups, following global studies and local public health processes, and is prepared to update its approach as new data emerges.

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2 Mar 2022

Efforts to Ensure Migrant Workers without Letter of Guarantee from Employers Can Access Medical Treatment

The Minister for Manpower explained that employers are required to cover the medical expenses of migrant workers in Singapore.
For medical emergencies, hospitals provide immediate treatment without needing a letter of guarantee, while non-emergency cases may require one, with MOM assisting if employers refuse to provide it.
MOM is reviewing medical insurance coverage and billing arrangements to improve access, and migrant workers can use primary care services or telemedicine for non-urgent needs.

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2 Mar 2022

Update on Enforcement Actions against Purveyors of False Claims of Pharmaceutical Products' Efficacy in Treating COVID-19

The Ministry of Health and Health Sciences Authority monitor and act against false claims about pharmaceutical products treating COVID-19, such as ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, issuing public advisories and a Correction Direction to a website in October 2021.
From February 2020 to January 2022, 740 misleading online listings were removed and over 150 sellers warned, with legal penalties including fines and imprisonment under the Health Products Act.
Individuals distributing unapproved treatments face action under the Medical Registration Act, and doctors prescribing outside guidelines may be referred to the Singapore Medical Council.

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2 Mar 2022

Committee of Supply – Head M (Ministry of Finance)

Members questioned the effectiveness, governance, and future lessons from Singapore’s extensive COVID-19 spending, seeking reviews on outcomes, controls, and continued support for hard-hit sectors like construction and tourism.
Debates focused on revenue measures, including the GST hike, with calls to exempt basic essentials and inquiries about the tax impact on lower-income households and businesses like taxi drivers.
The Second Minister for Finance outlined measures to ensure accountability, value-for-money in infrastructure projects, and support for businesses via timely payments and targeted schemes, while defending the GST approach as progressive through vouchers and rebates.

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2 Mar 2022

Silver Generation Officers Involved in Outreach and Home Visit Activities

The Silver Generation Office has about 3,000 staff and volunteers engaged in outreach, with over one million engagements since 2014, including 339,000 home visits in 2019 and adapted figures during COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021.
The Ministry plans to enhance outreach by collaborating with health clusters and community partners to target at-risk seniors, increase visit frequency for the frail or socially isolated, and improve ambassador competencies.
While the exact timeline for returning to pre-pandemic home visit levels was not specified, the focus remains on proactive engagement and tailored support for seniors’ well-being.

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2 Mar 2022

Complementing Import of Antigen Rapid Test Kits with Local Supply

Six local companies have applied to manufacture or assemble antigen rapid test (ART) kits in Singapore, and once approved, they can access government support schemes to boost local production capacity.
The government ensures a steady supply of ART kits through a multi-pronged strategy including stockpiling, diversifying import sources from multiple countries, and working closely with distributors and retailers.
ART kits must meet stringent quality, safety, and performance standards for retail sale, with some brands recently approved and more under evaluation, while price considerations are part of the approval process to benefit consumers.

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1 Mar 2022

Employees Compelled by Employers to Obtain Medical Certificate for Self-testing Positive on ART and Available Recourse

The Minister for Manpower clarified that employers should not compel employees who test positive on an ART self-test but are well or have mild symptoms to obtain a medical certificate, as per a tripartite advisory to preserve healthcare capacity.
Despite the advisory, some employers are not complying, prompting MOM and MOH to reiterate that low-risk employees with mild symptoms should recover at home without needing a doctor’s certificate.
Employees facing such compulsion from employers are advised to report the issue to the Ministry of Manpower for further action.

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1 Mar 2022

Impact of Updated Safe Management Measures on Religious Activities, Events and Prayers in Mosques

The Multi-Ministry Task Force's updated safe management measures will ease restrictions, allowing mosques to increase capacity for religious activities and prayers.
The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) estimates a 60% increase in Friday prayer spaces and overall capacity, enabling about 100,000 congregants weekly.
MUIS is preparing mosques for implementation and hopes improvements in the COVID-19 situation will allow these measures to be in place for Ramadan starting 3 April.
The community is thanked for cooperation and urged to remain vigilant as Singapore transitions to the next phase of managing COVID-19.

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1 Mar 2022

Debate on Annual Budget Statement

The debate highlights Singapore’s response to the pandemic and future challenges, emphasizing unity and the need to position the economy for growth amid global competition, digitalization, climate change, and an ageing population.
Key concerns raised include the impact of GST increases on households, the effectiveness of the Committee Against Profiteering, and the need for sector-specific industry transformation through refreshed Industry Transformation Maps (ITMs) to ensure inclusive growth and support for low-wage workers and SMEs.
Speakers stress the importance of building national resilience, innovation, and a sustainable future, with calls for more progressive taxation, support for platform workers, and ensuring that policies reflect diverse household structures and gender equity.

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28 Feb 2022

Policy for Patients under MediSave 700 Scheme to be Treated at Only One Hospital

Leon Perera questioned whether MediSave 700 scheme patients must get all treatments at a single hospital and the policy reason for this.
Ong Ye Kung clarified that patients seeking treatment at multiple institutions for chronic conditions remain eligible for the $700 limit.
The government is enhancing its claims system to automatically identify patients with multiple chronic conditions across different hospitals.
Until the system upgrade, patients can request the $700 limit via the Healthcare Hotline at 1800 222 3399.
The policy aims to support patients with complex chronic conditions while streamlining administration.

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28 Feb 2022

Contingency Measures at Changi Airport's Air Cargo Processing Facilities to Minimise Disruption when Ground Staff are Infected with COVID-19

The Minister outlined that safety safeguards like vaccination, testing, PPE, and safe management measures, along with business continuity plans (BCPs) by companies like SATS and Changi Airport Group, are in place to manage COVID-19 disruptions at air cargo facilities.
A sudden spike in infections among SATS cargo coordinators, coinciding with a 20% surge in cargo volume before Chinese New Year, caused a backlog and delays at the Changi Airfreight Centre in early 2022.
Most delayed cargo from late January to early February has been collected or is ready for pickup, with SATS working on insurance claims for affected shipments.
The government has asked key aviation companies to review and strengthen their BCPs to improve operational resilience and protect Singapore’s hub reputation.

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28 Feb 2022

Recovery Areas within Dormitories for Migrant Workers Infected with COVID-19

The Ministry of Manpower established a Dormitory Recovery Programme where asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic vaccinated migrant workers recover in dedicated, segregated facilities within dormitories, with access to medical services and vital monitoring.
Workers at higher risk of severe disease are sent to appropriate healthcare facilities like hospitals, and recovery beds have been scaled to meet current needs.
Authorities monitor the situation and are prepared to increase capacity in recovery facilities if necessary.

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28 Feb 2022

Body Mass Index Data in Students' Report Books and Measures to Assist Students with Weight and Body Image Issues

Member Melvin Yong asked whether BMI data could be sent directly to school health services instead of being listed in student report books and what measures exist to support students with weight and body image issues.
Minister Chan Chun Sing explained that schools monitor BMI twice a year using HPB norms and support students outside healthy ranges through journaling, goal setting, and action planning, with severe cases referred to HPB’s Student Health Centre.
Schools include BMI in the Holistic Development Profile report alongside academic and other indicators to inform parents and seek their support in reinforcing their child’s overall well-being.
The education system promotes health through physical education teaching healthy habits and Character and Citizenship Education curriculum to build positive body image and self-esteem.
The overall approach emphasizes holistic health promotion, parental partnership, and helping students understand that their worth is intrinsic rather than based on external affirmation.

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