Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

11 Jan 2022

Review Termination of Pregnancy Act to Lower Limit for Termination to 22 Weeks

Christopher de Souza proposed lowering the termination limit from 24 to 22 weeks, citing advancements in neonatology indicating viability at 22 weeks.
Ong Ye Kung stated that the 24-week threshold is based on scientific evidence of fetal viability, with a 2018 MOH review recommending it remain due to low survival and high disability rates at 23 weeks.
Local hospital data from 2019–2020 showed only six out of 13 23-week preterm infants survived, all with severe disabilities, supporting the current limit.
MOH will continue monitoring survival and disability indices while considering local expert advice on the issue.

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11 Jan 2022

Disputes and Enforcement Action Taken Against Persons Who Breach Vaccinated-Differentiated Safe Management Measures at Hawker Centres

Mr Melvin Yong asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment about the number of disputes and unvaccinated diners since COVID-19 vaccination entry checks began at hawker centres.
Since 23 November 2021, there have been four cases where patrons were uncooperative, requiring Police assistance, and 24 cases of unvaccinated or partially vaccinated persons found dining in.
Enforcement action is taken against those breaching Vaccinated-Differentiated Safe Management Measures, with first-time offenders liable to a $300 fine.

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11 Jan 2022

Rationale for Differentiated COVID-19 Testing Approach between Travellers Arriving at Changi Airport and at Causeway

Saktiandi Supaat questioned the rationale for using a PCR test for travellers arriving at Changi Airport under Vaccinated Travel Lanes, while those arriving via the Causeway use an antigen rapid test.
Gan Kim Yong explained that the Singapore and Malaysian health ministries bilaterally agreed to the differentiated approach for VTL (Land) travellers, considering public health and practical factors, with multiple safeguards including vaccination and a stringent testing regime.
As of 31 December 2021, 27 COVID-19 cases were detected out of about 28,000 VTL (Land) travellers, and the government will continue monitoring and adjusting the testing regime as needed.

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11 Jan 2022

Extent of Accumulated Leave amongst Public Healthcare Workers and Cap on Leave that can be Encashed

Shahira Abdullah asked about the proportion of public healthcare workers unable to clear 50% of their 2021 leave, the average cap on leave encashment, and the proportion who forfeited leave due to encashment limits.
Ong Ye Kung stated that less than one-third of workers could not fully clear their 2021 leave and that institutions allowed carrying forward unused leave and encashing up to one-third of the 2021 entitlement.
He added that less than 1% of staff had to forfeit accumulated leave in 2021.

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11 Jan 2022

Plans for Continuing with TraceTogether as COVID-19 Contact Tracing Tool

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim questioned the extent of TraceTogether’s continued use as a contact tracing tool amid COVID-19 being endemic, plans to shift to user-oriented technologies like Novid, specific dates for deleting server-side identification data, and discontinuation plans for SafeEntry.
Ong Ye Kung referred to a written reply dated 10 January 2022, indicating the matter had already been addressed, without providing new details or commitments.
The debate highlighted ongoing concerns about data privacy and technological evolution in Singapore’s pandemic response tools.

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11 Jan 2022

Rationale for Different Safe Management Measures for Vaccinated Migrant Workers Living in and Outside of Dormitories

Louis Ng Kok Kwang questioned the rationale for different safe management measures for vaccinated migrant workers in dormitories versus the general population.
Tan See Leng explained that dormitories are communal settings with rapid transmission risk, necessitating more frequent testing and stricter measures like controlled community visits to protect workers' health and minimize work disruptions.
The government has progressively eased restrictions, allowing vaccinated dormitory residents more access to recreation centres and community visits, while continuing to collaborate with community partners to organize activities.

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11 Jan 2022

Proposal for Mobile COVID-19 Vaccination Service for Primary Schools

Hany Soh proposed a mobile COVID-19 vaccination service for primary schools, similar to dental services, to administer booster shots for young children and educate them on home recovery arrangements.
Ong Ye Kung referred the matter to an earlier oral reply given on 10 January 2022 regarding vaccine effects and decisions for younger children.
The debate highlighted the suggestion for school-based vaccination outreach and an official reference to prior government statements on pediatric vaccination.

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11 Jan 2022

Help to Ensure Safety of Point-to-point Drivers who Ferry Passengers from Airports and Other Border Points Given Increased Vaccinated Travel Lanes

Ms Yeo Wan Ling asked what measures would protect point-to-point drivers picking up passengers from airports and border points amid the expansion of Vaccinated Travel Lanes.
Minister S Iswaran stated that advisories on measures like improved ventilation and passenger seating are already in place, and MOH considers these sufficient to minimize in-vehicle transmission risk.
The Minister noted no extra measures like full PPE are needed, as over 99% of active taxi and private hire car drivers are fully vaccinated.
Drivers are urged to follow advisories, get vaccinated if eligible, and take booster shots promptly.

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11 Jan 2022

Availability of Respite Care Places for Seniors with Short-term Care Needs

Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked the Ministry of Health about the current number of respite care places, how many are available, and whether demand has increased due to the pandemic.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung stated there are over 450 respite care places as of end-December 2021, with availability being fluid as providers activate places based on service requests.
He noted that the take-up rate for respite care decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic as caregivers preferred to minimize community exposure for seniors.
The Ministry will continue to monitor the evolving needs of Singapore's ageing population regarding respite care.

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11 Jan 2022

Statistics on Youths Seeking Professional Help due to Unhealthy Coping Habits during COVID-19 Pandemic

Miss Cheng Li Hui asked for data on youths receiving professional help for unhealthy coping habits and an assessment of specialized services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minister Edwin Tong stated that one in five youths reported poor mental well-being, but most adopted healthy coping mechanisms and were willing to seek professional help.
The government provides multiple avenues for support, including healthcare institutions like IMH's NAMS clinic, community services such as CHAT and SSAs, and school-based counselling.
Initiatives like Project Re:ground and the Mentoring Alliance for Action aim to strengthen peer support and mentorship for youths.
The Interagency Taskforce on Mental Health and Well-being coordinates national efforts to support youths' mental health and resilience.

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11 Jan 2022

Measures to Promote Low-sodium Diet amongst Singaporeans

The Ministry of Health reported that Singapore residents consume an average of 3.6g of sodium daily, exceeding the WHO recommendation of less than 2g, and outlined current measures such as promoting reduced-sodium products and grants for sauce manufacturers.
Future plans include expanding efforts to reduce salt added during food preparation, increasing industry engagement for healthier alternatives, and boosting public education on sodium reduction.
The government is studying the feasibility of sodium taxes, along with other fiscal and regulatory measures, to help lower national salt intake.

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11 Jan 2022

Assessing Link between Consumption of Anti-depressants and Suicide

Member of Parliament Melvin Yong asked if the Ministry of Health is aware of local studies on the link between antidepressant use and suicide among Singaporean youths, and whether risks are communicated to parents.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung stated that no local studies exist on this issue, though overseas research suggests an association between antidepressants and increased suicidal tendencies in youths, without proving causation.
The Ministry requires doctors and pharmacists to counsel youths and caregivers on potential risks, side effects, and symptoms needing immediate attention when prescribing antidepressants.
Caregivers are advised to monitor patients closely during the initial weeks of treatment for any self-harm or suicidal thoughts and to seek medical help if such symptoms arise.

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11 Jan 2022

Singapore’s Doctor- and Nurse-to-population Ratios and Planned Manpower Increases in Public Healthcare System in Next Five Years

Singapore's doctor-to-population and nurse-to-population ratios in 2020 were 2.6 and 7.4 per 1,000 people respectively, comparable to or higher than many advanced Asian economies but lower than most Western OECD countries due to differing healthcare systems and demographics.
The Ministry of Health plans to expand the national healthcare workforce from 73,000 to 93,000 by 2030 to meet rising demand from an ageing population and increasing chronic illnesses.
The government emphasizes that improving population health and evolving care models are key challenges alongside manpower growth, rather than merely emulating high ratios from other countries.

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11 Jan 2022

Attrition Rates in Public Healthcare System and Nurses and Allied Health Professionals Recruited for Public Sector in 2021

Mariam Jaafar inquired about 2021 attrition rates in public healthcare, including breakdowns by job categories and recognition for non-frontline support workers like maintenance staff to lower attrition.
Pritam Singh asked for the number of nurses and allied health professionals recruited in the public sector in 2021 on a quarterly basis and how this compared to 2020 and 2019.
Ong Ye Kung stated that these questions were addressed in a written reply to Questions 33-35 on 10 January 2022, referencing an official report on the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare staff resignation and recruitment.

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11 Jan 2022

Specialised Mental Health and Whistle-blowing Support for Healthcare Workers

Ms He Ting Ru inquired about the specialised mental health support available to healthcare workers, the number of healthcare workers who sought such support from 2019 to 2021, and the avenues for whistle-blowing or raising concerns about mental well-being and safety.
Minister Ong Ye Kung indicated that the question was addressed in a written reply to Questions 36 to 38 on 10 January 2022, referencing the Official Report on supporting mental well-being of healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The debate highlights the need for accessible mental health resources and safe reporting mechanisms for healthcare workers, with the government directing inquiries to existing documented responses.

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11 Jan 2022

Number of Singaporeans Who Have Given Up Smoking in Past Two Years and Proposal to Consider Total Ban on Sale of Tobacco Products

Multiple MPs asked about smoking cessation figures and whether Singapore should consider a generational ban on tobacco sales, similar to New Zealand’s policy.
The Ministry of Health reported that tobacco control measures have reduced smoking prevalence from 11.8% in 2017 to 10.1% in 2020, and highlighted the effectiveness of tobacco taxes, standardized packaging, and raising the minimum legal age to 21.
The Ministry is open to studying a cohort ban but noted challenges, including Singapore’s lower youth smoking rates, the rise of e-cigarette use, and enforcement difficulties, and will observe New Zealand’s implementation before deciding.
Smoking-related diseases cost the healthcare sector about $180 million in 2019, and the government is enhancing cessation support, including a new subsidized nicotine replacement therapy program.
Overall, the government will continue to use public education, legislation, taxation, and cessation services to further reduce smoking rates while evaluating new measures like a generational ban.

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10 Jan 2022

Profile of Employees Still Unvaccinated against COVID-19

The Ministry of Manpower reported about 48,000 unvaccinated employees in Singapore as of 2 January 2022, with a breakdown by age group provided in a table.
The ministry does not have data on the breakdown by job type or the number of unvaccinated pregnant employees.
Public health advice strongly encourages pregnant employees to get vaccinated promptly due to higher risks from COVID-19 complications, with obstetricians available for consultation.

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10 Jan 2022

Long-term Effects of Expectations of Work Availability and Longer Working Hours on Mental Well-being of Employees on Work-from-home Arrangements

Sitoh Yih Pin asked whether MOM has data on how work-from-home employees are affected by expectations of availability and longer hours, the long-term mental well-being effects, and any plans to address this.
Tan See Leng acknowledged that WFH can blur work-life boundaries, leading to longer hours and burnout, and highlighted steps taken such as the Tripartite Advisory on Mental Well-being, iWorkHealth tool, and the Tripartite Standard on Work-Life Harmony.
The Ministry and tripartite partners have formed the Alliance for Action on Work-Life Harmony and are equipping Work-Life Ambassadors to support employers and employees in improving work-life balance.
MOM encourages employers to sustain flexible work arrangements post-pandemic while safeguarding well-being and productivity, and urges employees to communicate proactively and seek help if needed.

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10 Jan 2022

Efforts to Mitigate Possible Long-term Socioeconomic Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Resulting in Widespread Insecurity and Anxiety among Youths

The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth highlighted that youths face uncertainty, job security, and financial worries due to the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting a range of job, training, and skills upgrading initiatives like the SGUnited Jobs and Skills Package and SkillsFuture programmes to boost employability and resilience.
Efforts to support mental well-being are coordinated through the Interagency Taskforce on Mental Health and Well-being, which is developing a national strategy that includes specific measures for youths, alongside partnerships with schools, healthcare institutions, and community organizations.
Past crises like SARS have informed the need for a strong social compact, and the government is fostering this by engaging youths in volunteerism through Youth Corps Singapore and ground-up movements, which have supported vulnerable communities during the pandemic.

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10 Jan 2022

Progress and Plans in Supporting Mental Health of Staff and Residents in Nursing Homes and Related Facilities

MOH and AIC collaborate with nursing homes to support the socioemotional well-being of staff and residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, with providers regularly checking on staff, offering peer support and counselling, and using technology like video calls to maintain residents' connections with loved ones.
Face-to-face visits have resumed for fully vaccinated or medically ineligible individuals, and small group and outdoor activities such as trishaw rides have been piloted to enhance residents' well-being in a safe manner.
The Ministry will continue to work closely with providers to monitor and introduce timely measures to further enhance the mental health and well-being of both staff and residents in nursing homes and related facilities.

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