Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

12 Jan 2022

Households with One Person Requiring Adult Diapers on Regular Basis and Median Expenditure and Financial Support Available for Such Purchases

MOH does not track the number of households with at least one person requiring adult diapers on a regular basis, though seniors can apply for subsidies via the Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF).
In 2021, over 6,100 seniors applied for SMF for home healthcare items, with about 5,700 specifically for adult diapers, and the median expenditure per person was around $400 for the nine-month period from April to December 2021 before subsidies.
Eligible seniors can receive up to 80% subsidy for adult diapers through SMF, subject to an annual subsidy cap.

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12 Jan 2022

Transport Assistance Measures Available for Patients with Mobility Needs Requiring Multiple Medical Appointments

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Ministry of Health about transport costs for patients with mobility needs who have multiple medical appointments and available assistance measures.
The Ministry of Health does not track such costs as they vary based on transport type, appointment frequency, and proximity to home.
Seniors unable to travel independently can use the Medical Escort and Transport service for appointments at hospitals, specialist outpatient clinics, and polyclinics.
Eligible seniors can receive up to 80% subsidy through the MET service by contacting the Agency for Integrated Care hotline or visiting an AIC Link.

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12 Jan 2022

Statistics of Patients with Multiple Visits to Specialist Outpatient Clinics or Polyclinics Per Year with Mobility Needs or Requiring Caregiver Assistance

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked for statistics on the number of patients with six or more visits per year to specialist outpatient clinics or polyclinics from 2019 to 2021, and the proportion with mobility needs or requiring caregiver assistance.
The Minister for Health, Ong Ye Kung, stated that 2021 data is unavailable and that public hospitals and polyclinics do not track the proportion of patients with mobility needs or requiring caregiver assistance.
Ong Ye Kung added that all hospitals and polyclinics provide assistance to patients with mobility needs, such as wheelchairs, service ambassadors, and way-finding support.

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12 Jan 2022

Extension of Vaccine Injury Financial Assistance Programme for COVID-19 Vaccination under National Vaccination Programme to Delayed Serious Side Effect Cases

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim proposed extending the Vaccine Injury Financial Assistance Programme for COVID-19 vaccination to cover serious side effects that appear long after vaccination, with clear expert confirmation of a link to the vaccine.
Minister Ong Ye Kung noted that serious side effects from vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, are rare and typically mild, though they can occasionally develop up to six weeks after vaccination.
The Ministry of Health will thoroughly review applications to the programme, considering medical details and scientific evidence to determine eligibility.

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12 Jan 2022

Beneficiaries of COVID-19 Recovery Grant

Melvin Yong asked how many individuals have been supported by the COVID-19 Recovery Grant and how many were assisted per tranche
As of 31 December 2021, about 27,500 individuals had been supported, with 22,000 receiving one tranche and 5,500 receiving two tranches
Each tranche provides three months of support, and the grant’s application period has been extended to 31 December 2022
From 1 January 2022, eligible individuals can receive up to three tranches of support over 2021 and 2022
The government continues to provide financial assistance to those significantly affected by the pandemic through the extended CRG

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12 Jan 2022

Enhancing Existing Requirements for Vaccinated Travel Lane Travellers to Minimise Imported Cases

Gan Thiam Poh proposed adding a 24-hour Stay-Home Notice for Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) travellers to balance public health and support travel and businesses.
The Ministry of Health stated that current enhanced testing and arrival limits are sufficient to manage risks, and no additional Stay-Home Notice is needed.
The Ministry of Transport will continue collaborating with health authorities to review and adjust border measures carefully.

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12 Jan 2022

Proposal for Vaccination Leave for Workers Suffering from or Parents Caring for Children with COVID-19 Vaccination Side Effects

Dr Shahira Abdullah proposed additional vaccination leave for workers with side effects and for parents caring for children experiencing side effects after vaccination.
Minister Tan See Leng affirmed tripartite support for vaccination, noting existing encouragement for paid time-off for children’s vaccination and observation periods.
The Ministry cautions against creating new leave types that could burden businesses, preferring flexible work arrangements to maintain competitiveness.
Employers and workers have cooperated effectively during the pandemic without excessive regulation, validating the tripartite approach.

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12 Jan 2022

Plans to Assist Unvaccinated Employees Who Are Not Able to Return to Workplace

The Ministry of Manpower reported that as of January 2, 2022, the number of unvaccinated employees had decreased to 48,000 from 52,000, with only 140 (about 0.3%) certified as medically ineligible for vaccination.
Tripartite partners have advised employers to explore alternatives like remote work or redeployment rather than terminating employment, and most employers are expected to continue engaging affected employees.
Employees needing job transitions can use career matching services from Workforce Singapore and NTUC’s e2i, though job opportunities may be limited for those unvaccinated but medically eligible.
The government strongly encourages medically eligible unvaccinated employees to get vaccinated due to the significantly higher risks of severe illness or death from COVID-19.

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12 Jan 2022

Inclusion of Migrant Domestic Workers and Workers for Construction and Marine Sectors in Latest Vaccinated Travel Lane Revisions

Gan Thiam Poh asked whether the latest Vaccinated Travel Lane revisions until 21 January 2022 include migrant domestic workers and construction and marine workers under association-led initiatives.
Tan See Leng explained that migrant domestic workers enter through the VTL, mainstream lanes with Stay Home Notice, and industry-led initiatives, while construction and marine workers primarily use industry-led initiatives and mainstream lanes with SHN.
Construction and marine workers undergo an onboarding program with SHN, medical screening, vaccination verification, and a settling-in program upon arrival in Singapore.
The number of construction and marine workers entering is determined in consultation with lead agencies, considering industry needs and onboarding capacity, and most stopped entering via VTL after 23 December 2021.

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12 Jan 2022

Complaints about Unsuccessful Medical Insurance Claims

Carrie Tan asked whether MAS monitors complaints about unsuccessful medical insurance claims, what percentage arise from non-declaration of health information, and if there are data on reported and unreported incidents.
Tharman, responding for the Prime Minister, stated that MAS expects insurers to be fair and that less than 5% of health-insurance complaints over three years were about claims rejected due to non-disclosure of health conditions.
Most complaints about unsuccessful claims related to coverage limits, lapsed policies, or missing documents, not non-disclosure.
Insurers must prove non-disclosure is material to reject claims, and policyholders can seek mediation through FIDReC or the Clinical Claims Resolution Process for disputes.

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12 Jan 2022

Update on COVID-19 Anti-viral Treatments Being Assessed by Health Authorities

The Ministry of Health is tracking global COVID-19 treatments and has a portfolio of five drug classes in use, with HSA reviewing oral antivirals Molnupiravir and Paxlovid for interim authorization, while no filing has been received for SaNOtize's nitric oxide nasal spray.
Successful registration and dissemination of these therapies could reduce severe disease, lowering the need for hospitalization, oxygen, and intensive care, thus easing pressure on ICU capacity.
However, even with treatments, large case numbers could still strain healthcare resources, so prevention through vaccines and safe management measures remains critical for post-COVID-19 easing.

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12 Jan 2022

Compassionate Leave Offered to Social Workers at Family Service Centres

Social Service Agencies, including Family Service Centres, set their own compassionate leave policies, though most offer it as a staff benefit without Ministry-mandated tracking.
MSF and NCSS have introduced initiatives like the National Care Hotline, Sabbatical Leave Scheme, and co-funded counselling services to support social workers' mental well-being.
SSAs are encouraged to develop self-care cultures, with various schemes and grants available to strengthen HR practices and organisational support.
During the pandemic, specific measures such as care teams and mindfulness programmes were implemented by SSAs to address staff stress.
The Ministry does not collect data on the median days of compassionate leave taken by social workers, as leave policies are determined by individual agencies.

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12 Jan 2022

Monetary Awards for Outsourced Workers Performing Essential Services in Healthcare Settings

Abdul Samad asked if the Ministry of Health plans to support publicly funded healthcare organisations in making monetary awards to about 5,000 outsourced essential services workers for their frontline contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ong Ye Kung stated that the matter was addressed in a written reply on 10 January 2022, referring to the extension of the COVID-19 Healthcare Award to outsourced workers in patient care areas.
The debate highlights recognition for outsourced workers like cleaners, porters, and security officers who worked alongside healthcare staff during the pandemic.
The government's position is that the issue has been previously addressed through official replies, implying existing measures or consideration.
The discussion underscores the importance of equitable recognition for all frontline workers in healthcare settings, including those outsourced.

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12 Jan 2022

Health Insurance for Employees Aged 65 and Above, and Heath Checks to Determine Their Ability to Work Beyond Statutory Retirement and Re-employment Ages

Mr Yip asked about health insurance coverage for employees aged 65 and above, employer difficulties procuring it, and the Ministry’s efforts to improve accessibility, with the Minister noting most employers provide some medical benefits but restructuring to the Portable Medical Benefits Scheme (PMBS) is recommended to avoid duplication with MediShield Life and support senior employment.
The Minister said using health checks to determine work ability could create uncertainty and risk unfair re-employment denials, so Tripartite Guidelines presume seniors are fit unless signs of unfitness appear, and retirement ages are already job-specific in some regulated cases.
Despite the pandemic, employment rates for those aged 55-64 and 65+ have increased, showing statutory retirement and re-employment ages effectively support senior employment.

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12 Jan 2022

Improving Support for Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence

The Minister outlined the comprehensive support provided by Family Violence Specialist Centres (FVSCs) and PAVE, including safety planning, legal aid, counselling, and therapeutic groups for survivors of family and sexual violence, with plans to enhance capability and capacity, especially for sexual violence cases.
MSF is strengthening interventions by deploying forensic-trained psychologists at each FVSC, developing a common assessment and intervention framework, and collaborating with educational institutions to provide trauma-informed care for youths, while also focusing on upstream prevention through public education and relationship-building programmes.
In response to concerns about capacity, the Ministry monitors case loads and is prepared to increase resources, noting ongoing efforts to train staff and work with community partners, with a commitment to enhancing therapeutic care for survivors in the coming years.

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12 Jan 2022

Update on Five-year Child and Maternal Health and Well-being Strategy and Action Plan

The Ministry of Health has established a Taskforce to develop a five-year Child and Maternal Health and Well-being Strategy, focusing on evidence-based policies, early preventive health efforts, and streamlined service delivery for families.
The Taskforce has engaged parents, caregivers, and frontline officers through focus groups and site visits to ensure the strategy addresses family needs, with recommendations being finalized for an upcoming announcement.
The strategy will adopt a family-centric approach, encouraging involvement of fathers and grandparents, while further studies are needed to define screening and intervention programs, including workplace support for mothers.

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11 Jan 2022

Clarification by Senior Minister of State for Health

The Senior Minister of State for Health highlighted that tobacco tax is the most effective tool to reduce smoking, citing studies showing a 10% price increase leads to a 3-5% drop in overall consumption.
He noted a 3.5% reduction in young people taking up smoking and a 7% decline in kids starting to smoke due to higher prices, but the tax was last raised in 2018.
With inflation and income growth eroding the tax's impact, he emphasized the need to work with the Ministry of Finance to review and potentially increase the tobacco tax rate.

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11 Jan 2022

Protection and Recourse Available to Employees Who Experience Workplace Discrimination or Wrongful Termination for Not Being Vaccinated

The Ministry of Manpower emphasized that the Workforce Vaccination Measures aim to protect unvaccinated individuals and maintain workplace safety, with vaccination being a key tool to reduce transmission.
For unvaccinated but medically eligible employees, employers may redeploy them to work-from-home roles, place them on no-pay leave, or terminate their contracts as a last resort, which is not considered discrimination or wrongful dismissal if done in accordance with employment contracts.
Employees medically ineligible for vaccination are still permitted to enter workplaces, and if they face discrimination or dismissal based on vaccination status, they are advised to seek assistance from the Ministry of Manpower.

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11 Jan 2022

Outcome of COVID-19 Vaccination Trials for Children under 12

Sharael Taha inquired about the outcomes of COVID-19 vaccination trials for children under 12, the percentage who developed side effects, and whether certain groups were more susceptible.
Ong Ye Kung responded that the matter had already been addressed in a prior oral reply on January 10, 2022, directing attention to the Official Report on the assessment of vaccine effects and decisions for younger children.
The debate did not introduce new information beyond referencing the existing official report and oral answers.

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11 Jan 2022

Regulation of Psychologists under Allied Health Professions Act

Melvin Yong asked if psychologists are regulated under the Allied Health Professions Act and if the council can investigate complaints against them.
Ong Ye Kung stated that clinical psychologists are not registered under the Act, so the council cannot investigate complaints.
He noted that psychologists in hospitals are governed by hospital frameworks and healthcare laws like the Private Hospitals and Medical Clinics Act.
He added that local psychology degree programs ensure the supply of properly qualified psychologists.

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