Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

28 Feb 2022

Safe Management Measures for Full-Time National Servicemen and COVID-19 Cases in Camps

The SAF has implemented vaccination, testing, and safe management measures like smaller groups and mask mandates to protect NSFs, with over 99.7% vaccinated and nearly 87% boosted.
NSFs who book out must follow SMMs outside and cannot return to camp if ill; COVID-positive cases follow national protocols, and infections are monitored to prevent spread.
Despite these measures, weekly infections in camps have risen about 17% due to community spread from the Omicron variant, though most cases are mild and internal transmission remains limited.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

28 Feb 2022

Profile of Persons whose COVID-19 Vaccination Status Had Lapsed on 14 February 2022

Approximately 21,800 individuals aged 18 and above had their COVID-19 vaccination status lapse on 14 February 2022, comprising 38% work pass holders, 14% permanent residents, and the rest Singaporeans.
The Ministry of Health cannot determine the exact reasons for missing boosters but suggests many are overseas; among unboosted Singaporeans, most are seniors aged 60 and above who feel adequately protected, seldom go out, or prefer to delay vaccination.
The Ministry plans to continue encouraging booster uptake through SMS reminders, convenient vaccination access, and deploying Mobile Vaccination Teams to the heartlands, especially for seniors.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

28 Feb 2022

Impact of Surge in COVID-19 Infections amongst Bus Drivers on Public Bus Transport

Ms. Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Transport about the impact of COVID-19 infections among bus drivers on public bus transport, specifically on waiting times and mitigating measures.
Senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat explained that while infections have increased due to Omicron, infected drivers are under 5% of the total, and contingency plans like adjusting bus schedules and deploying double-deck buses are in place, with some services seeing waiting times increase by up to three minutes.
Chee Hong Tat also noted efforts to recruit new local bus drivers and re-engage recently retired drivers, while emphasizing the need for public cooperation with safe management measures to keep the system safe.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

18 Feb 2022

Take-up Rate of Portable Medical Benefits Scheme and Plans to Encourage More Employers to Participate

The Portable Medical Benefits Scheme (PMBS) has a 9% take-up rate among establishments, covering about 22% of the workforce, with higher adoption in larger companies.
The Ministry for Manpower highlights PMBS as a sustainable solution for healthcare costs amid aging populations and MediShield Life, noting the Public Service has adopted it since 1994.
MOM is working with the Singapore National Employers Federation to engage employers and explain the benefits of PMBS to address hesitancy and encourage participation.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

18 Feb 2022

Assistance Available to Charities Running Shelters or Homes in Their Implementation of COVID-19-related Safe Management Measures in Premises

The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) has provided additional funding to shelters and homes under its purview to cover costs from COVID-19 measures, including hiring extra staff and raising ongoing funding rates.
MSF, in collaboration with other agencies, has arranged for free on-site mobile vaccinations, supplied government-funded ART kits, and funded PCR testing and deep cleaning during outbreaks.
Community support initiatives like the ComChest Emergency Fund and the Invictus Fund offer grants to social service agencies for business continuity, safe management systems, and ART kits.
MSF has facilitated donations-in-kind such as PPE, masks, and gloves to help offset expenses for shelters and homes.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

18 Feb 2022

Salary Disputes Arising from Imposition of Self-Isolation without Medical Certificates under COVID-19 Protocol 2 and Plans to Assist Affected Workers

The Deputy Speaker called for a question from Mr Xie Yao Quan regarding salary disputes for workers self-isolating without medical certificates under COVID-19 Protocol 2.
Mr Tan Wu Meng rose to ask Question No. 15 on behalf of Mr Xie Yao Quan.
Dr Koh Poh Koon stated that no salary disputes have been reported, as employers are following tripartite advisories on health protocols.
He advised employees to refer employers to covid.gov.sg or approach the Ministry for assistance if employers require medical certificates for COVID-19 sick leave.
The response highlighted collaboration between MOM, SNEF, and NTUC to ensure adherence to guidelines and support workers.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

18 Feb 2022

Designated Centres or Clinics for Residents to Check Suitability for COVID-19 Vaccinations

Gan Thiam Poh proposed designated centres or clinics for residents to check their medical suitability for COVID-19 vaccinations.
The Ministry of Health responded that most residents can be safely vaccinated, with only those allergic to the vaccines being medically ineligible.
Individuals with specific medical queries can consult their own doctors, and all vaccination centres are equipped to screen for and advise on vaccine suitability.
Vaccination centres are staffed by trained medical personnel guided by clinical guidelines from the Expert Committee on COVID-19 Vaccination.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

18 Feb 2022

Clarification by Senior Minister of State for Health

The Senior Minister of State for Health clarified that visitors allowed into hospital wards and care homes on an exceptional basis must present a valid negative ART result obtained within the last 24 hours before their visit.
Fully vaccinated visitors may use photographic proof of a self-administered ART done at home, while those who haven’t tested can purchase ART kits from vending machines or retail pharmacies at public hospitals.
This policy aligns with the visitation guidelines for severely ill patients in hospitals and care homes as documented in the official parliamentary report from February 2022.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

18 Feb 2022

Visitation Policies for Visits to Severely Ill Patients in Hospitals and Care Homes

Leon Perera proposed allowing healthcare professionals discretion for compassionate case-by-case visits and requiring hospitals to sell ART test kits to visitors.
The Senior Minister of State for Health responded that in-person visits were suspended from January to March 2022, but exceptions were allowed for severely ill patients with up to five pre-registered visitors.
The government highlighted that hospitals and homes already had discretion to permit visits for exceptional cases like severe illness during the suspension period.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Feb 2022

Proposal to Allow Illiterate Owners, Sellers and Tenants to be Accompanied by Literate Family Member to Perform HDB Transactions

Joan Pereira proposed allowing illiterate HDB transaction participants to be accompanied by literate family members due to social distancing limits at HDB offices.
Desmond Lee explained that COVID-19 measures restrict appointments to direct parties but HDB allows one accompaniment for those needing help, like the elderly or illiterate.
Requests for accompaniment can be made via MyRequest@HDB portal or HDB’s customer service hotline.
The response indicates HDB accommodates such needs within current safe management protocols.
The debate focused on balancing accessibility for vulnerable groups with pandemic safety rules.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Feb 2022

Statistics on Doctors under Structured Traineeship Programmes Consuming Maternity or Paternity Leave

Dr Tan Wu Meng sought detailed statistics from 2018 to 2021 on doctors in structured traineeship programmes, including gender breakdowns, rates of becoming parents during training, leave consumption, and impacts on training completion.
Ong Ye Kung reported that approximately 2,100 doctors were in residency annually, with balanced gender distribution, and about 13% of trainees had a newborn during the period.
Most trainees who became parents consumed their full maternity or paternity leave entitlements.
Among those with newborns, 2% had training extended by over a year due to leave-related absences, and fewer than 5% resigned due to family commitments.
The data covers residents in both residency and senior residency programmes across the specified years.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Feb 2022

Progress of Efforts to Encourage Eligible Singaporeans to Take Up CareShield Life

Murali Pillai inquired about the progress, promotional steps, and processing times for older Singaporeans enrolling in CareShield Life since November 2021.
Ong Ye Kung referred him to a prior written answer from February 2022 that detailed voluntary enrolment data, profiles, and premium details for those born before 1980.
The response indicates that specific statistics and processing timelines for auto-enrolled ElderShield 400 policyholders were addressed in the earlier official report.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Feb 2022

Rationale for Two COVID-19 Positive Individuals with Different Travel Histories and Discharge Dates to be Roomed Together

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim questioned the rationale for rooming together two COVID-19-positive individuals with different travel histories and discharge dates
Ong Ye Kung explained that confirmed cases can be isolated together as there is no reinfection risk during and immediately after infection, similar to other diseases like measles or chicken pox
He stated that such arrangements help preserve overall capacity to manage a surge in cases

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Feb 2022

Most Common Congenital Birth Issues and Annual Proportion of Expectant Mothers Taking up Maternity Insurance Policies

Mr Melvin Yong asked about the most common congenital birth issues over the past decade, the average medical costs for children without maternity insurance, and whether the Ministry would mandate insurers to cover parents with pre-existing conditions.
He also requested data on the annual proportion of expectant mothers taking up maternity insurance, the average number of claims, and the percentage of policies rejected due to pre-existing conditions over the past five years.
Minister Ong Ye Kung responded that circulatory and urinary system illnesses are the most common congenital issues, and that MediShield Life, MediSave, and Integrated Shield Plans provide coverage, with cash outlays for newborns averaging under $200 from 2018 to 2020.
The Minister noted that MOH does not have data on private maternity insurance take-up, claims, or rejections, as these are optional products from private insurers.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Feb 2022

Measures to Prevent Illegal Purchase of e-cigarettes and e-liquids and Studies on Youths' Views on Vaping and Awareness of Its Harmful Side Effects

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has monitored illicit online sales, conducted 201 operations from 2018 to 2021, and collaborated with platforms like Instagram and Facebook to remove over 4,200 illegal postings in 2021, while also intercepting illegal imports at borders.
A 2019 Health Promotion Board (HPB) survey found that almost seven in 10 young people were unaware that e-cigarettes contain harmful chemicals, prompting efforts to educate students through school programs and training for educators.
When students are caught using or possessing e-cigarettes, they face school disciplinary actions, are reported to HSA for possible fines, and are required to attend HPB cessation programs with counsellor support.
MOH, HSA, and HPB will continue to enhance measures to curb the supply and demand of e-cigarettes to protect public health.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Feb 2022

Support for Public Sector Healthcare Employees to Cope with Personal Caregiving Responsibilities

Public healthcare institutions provide leave benefits such as Childcare Leave, Family Care Leave, and extended maternity/paternity leave, with 100% of eligible female staff and 80.4% of male staff taking up post-childbirth leave in the past year.
Flexible work arrangements like staggered shifts, compressed work weeks, and work-from-home are available, with part-time work take-up rates at 4.1% for females and 1.3% for males, supported by on-site childcare facilities and contingency nurse pools.
Professional development pathways and traineeships accommodate caregiving responsibilities, offering study leave for doctors and deferment options for pregnant nursing students, with special considerations during emergencies like COVID-19.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Feb 2022

Increasing Number of Daily Singapore-Malaysia and Singapore-Indonesia Vaccinated Travel Lane Flights to Allow More Workers to Return Home

Dennis Tan asked the Ministry of Transport to consider increasing the number of daily Singapore-Malaysia and Singapore-Indonesia Vaccinated Travel Lane flights to help more workers return home.
The Ministry and CAAS noted that there were still unused VTL flight quotas for Indonesia and Malaysia despite a 50% limit on daily travelers to manage Omicron risks and increased demand during Chinese New Year.
The Ministry will review VTL quotas for Malaysia and Indonesia, taking into account travel demand and public health assessments from the Ministry of Health.
The government aims to restore global connectivity while safeguarding public health as part of learning to live with COVID-19.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Feb 2022

Extension of "Smaller Bites to Swallow Right" Campaign aimed at the Elderly to Hawker Centres

Joan Pereira asked if the "Smaller Bites to Swallow Right" campaign would be extended to other hawker centres and if incentives like vouchers would be provided for the elderly with swallowing difficulties.
The campaign, initiated by Alexandra Hospital, allows patients with dysphagia to request food chopped, minced, or pureed for free at participating stalls.
It currently operates at Alexandra Village Food Centre, ABC Brickworks Food Centre, and Keng Eng Kee Seafood Restaurant, with plans to expand to Mei Ling Market and Tanglin Halt Food Centre in the second half of 2022.
The Ministry of Health will learn from the pilot and work with stakeholders to explore expanding participation to other food establishments.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Feb 2022

Subsidised Drugs for Treating Depression and Anxiety

Leon Perera proposed expanding the list of subsidised drugs for depression and anxiety to give psychiatrists more treatment options.
MOH explained that subsidies are provided for drugs deemed clinically and cost-effective by the Drug Advisory Committee, with regular reviews to ensure relevance.
Clinicians can recommend new drugs for evaluation, and patients facing financial hardship can seek additional support through MediFund.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Feb 2022

Teachers Seeking Counselling Services in Past Five Years

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Education for the number of teachers who sought counselling services each year in the past five years, broken down by the Ministry’s in-house counselling services and the whole-of-Government counselling hotline.
The Minister for Education, Chan Chun Sing, stated that MOE provides various support resources for teachers, including counselling services, and noted that the number of teachers using in-house counselling averaged about 40 per year from 2017 to 2019, rising to about 70 in the last two years, with about 90 MOE staff using the whole-of-Government hotline in 2021.
MOE has adjusted system-level and school-level initiatives to pace out work for teachers, recognizing the increased demands due to COVID-19, and introduced new measures like Wellness Ambassadors, an online platform called Mindline at Work, and workshops to enhance mental well-being support for teachers.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source