Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

10 Jan 2022

Applications for Medical Ineligibility for COVID-19 Vaccines

Leong Mun Wai inquired about the number of applications for a certificate of medical ineligibility for COVID-19 vaccines and the breakdown of those supported by private doctors and approved.
Ong Ye Kung responded that as of 2 January 2022, approximately 300 individuals had been certified medically ineligible for COVID-19 vaccines by either private or public doctors and reported to the Ministry of Health.

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10 Jan 2022

Update on Move to Allow Donning of Hijab for Healthcare Workers

Since November 2021, female Muslim healthcare staff in Singapore's public hospitals can wear the tudung as an add-on to their uniforms, and around 20% have started doing so by end December 2021.
The Ministry of Health has implemented clinical guidelines and refitted N95 masks to ensure infection control standards are maintained for staff wearing the tudung.
Feedback from both Muslim and non-Muslim staff has been generally positive, with Muslim staff appreciating the change and patients respecting their choice, including some receiving compliments on their professional appearance.

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10 Jan 2022

Vaccination against Pneumococcal Pneumonia and Other Diseases for Seniors to Reduce Strain on Healthcare System

Murali Pillai raised a query on whether the Ministry of Health would consider vaccinating seniors against pneumococcal pneumonia and other diseases to protect them and reduce healthcare strain.
Ong Ye Kung confirmed that the National Adult Immunisation Schedule recommends pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations for all individuals aged 65 and above, along with other vaccines like varicella if needed.
He noted that eligible Singaporeans can receive subsidies for these vaccines at CHAS GP clinics and polyclinics, and efforts are underway to boost vaccine uptake among seniors, particularly for influenza and pneumococcal vaccines.

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10 Jan 2022

Extension of COVID-19 Healthcare Award to Outsourced Workers in Patient Care Areas

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked whether the definition of "all staff of public healthcare institutions" in the COVID-19 Healthcare Award includes outsourced workers in patient-facing roles.
Minister Ong Ye Kung clarified that the award is intended to cover outsourced workers whose primary workplace is public healthcare institutions and who work alongside permanent staff.
Recognition will be given to outsourced staff directly contracted by healthcare institutions or community care organisations for on-site services.
The Ministry of Health is working with institutions to determine eligibility criteria, award amounts, and implementation details for these workers.

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10 Jan 2022

Necessity of TraceTogther SafeEntry Requirement Given New Protocols for COVID-19-positive Patients

Lim Biow Chuan questioned whether TraceTogether and SafeEntry requirements remain necessary given new COVID-19 protocols for positive patients.
Ong Ye Kung stated that MOH regularly reviews such rules to keep them simple and promote normalcy, but they are still needed to protect unvaccinated individuals and enforce vaccination-differentiated measures.
He emphasized that TraceTogether and SafeEntry are efficient for verification, contact tracing, and identifying infection clusters, supporting ongoing public health responses.
The minister confirmed that both systems will be retained for now as part of the current strategy.

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10 Jan 2022

Result from Government's Five-year Effort against Diabetes

Joan Pereira questioned why the Ministry's five-year effort against diabetes has not reduced its prevalence and asked about new preventive measures, such as public education.
Ong Ye Kung explained that the age-standardised prevalence of diabetes has remained stable at 7.9% despite an increase in crude prevalence, attributing this to an ageing population and noting progress in slowing previous upward trends.
He highlighted rising childhood obesity linked to sedentary lifestyles, dietary changes, and COVID-19, emphasizing the need for lifestyle changes and ongoing efforts like HPB campaigns and mandatory nutrition labels.

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10 Jan 2022

Targets for Reducing Smoking Rate in Singapore

Mariam Jaafar asked the Ministry of Health about specific targets to reduce Singapore’s smoking rate over three, five, and ten years and the steps to achieve them.
Ong Ye Kung indicated that the reply would be provided in a future sitting by addressing related questions from other MPs.
The response was deferred to the next session, referencing a prior official report on smoking cessation and tobacco ban proposals.

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10 Jan 2022

Effectiveness of Plain Packaging and Graphic Health Warnings on Cigarette Packs in Reducing Smoking Rates

Miss Cheng Li Hui questioned the effectiveness of plain packaging and enlarged graphic health warnings on cigarette packs in reducing smoking rates, and asked if additional measures like higher excise duties or a lifetime sales ban to youths would be considered.
Ong Ye Kung deferred the answer to a subsequent parliamentary sitting, referring to a prior debate on smoking cessation and tobacco sale bans.
The exchange highlights ongoing parliamentary scrutiny of tobacco control policies, with a focus on evaluating existing measures and exploring stricter future actions.

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10 Jan 2022

Number of Youths Caught after Legal Smoking Age Was Raised to 21 Last Year

The Minister for Health did not answer the question during the debate, deferring the reply to the next parliamentary sitting, with reference made to a prior report on smoking cessation and a tobacco ban proposal.
The debate centered on statistics, support programs, and policy alternatives for youth smoking since the legal age was raised to 21, highlighting a gap in immediate government response.
Parliament discussed the feasibility of a tobacco-free generation model inspired by New Zealand, indicating ongoing consideration of long-term anti-smoking strategies.

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10 Jan 2022

Subsidies for Purchase of Smoking Cessation Aids

Darryl David asked whether the Ministry of Health provides subsidies for individuals to purchase smoking cessation aids.
Ong Ye Kung deferred the answer to a later reply, referencing a prior parliamentary discussion on smoking cessation and a proposal to ban tobacco sales.

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10 Jan 2022

Inclusion of Mental First Aid Responder and Other Practical Skills in BizSAFE Workplace Training

The Minister affirmed that Singapore’s workplace safety and health system already includes mental health considerations, with bizSAFE training enhanced to address psychosocial hazards and mental well-being in risk assessments.
The WSH Council has expanded its Code of Practice on Risk Management to guide companies on mental health initiatives, such as employee education and periodic well-being surveys, which are reflected in bizSAFE training.
Existing support tools like iWorkHealth are available to help companies identify and mitigate workplace stressors as part of total workplace safety and health programmes.
The Minister acknowledged the suggestion to include mental first aid responder training and confirmed it will be incorporated into the Total WSH programme for all companies to access.
The debate underscores a proactive approach to evolving workforce needs by integrating mental health support into workplace safety frameworks and training.

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10 Jan 2022

Abuse of Public Healthcare Workers and Measures to Protect Them

There has been a clear rise in reported abuse and harassment cases in public healthcare institutions over the last four years, with numbers increasing from about 1,080 in 2018 to about 1,400 as of November 2021.
The rising trend is attributed to factors such as increased patient volume, higher expectations for quality care, and frustrations from COVID-19 visitation restrictions.
The Ministry of Health and public healthcare institutions enforce a zero-tolerance policy, providing staff with preventive strategies, clear escalation processes, and enhanced legal protection under the Protection from Harassment Act.

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10 Jan 2022

Limits for Healthcare Workers Such As Maximum Number of Hours Worked and Call-backs Allowed, and Mandating Guaranteed Time-off

Dr Wan Rizal proposed implementing limits on working hours, call-backs, and guaranteed time-off for healthcare workers, and asked how the Ministry balances manpower needs during COVID-19 with staff leave.
Ong Ye Kung explained that employment terms for unionized public healthcare staff are set via Collective Agreements, which specify weekly hour limits, rest days, and annual leave, while junior doctors follow SMC guidelines averaging 80 hours per week.
The Ministry does not enforce hard caps on hours or call-backs or mandatory leave, acknowledging exigencies like COVID-19 surges, but encourages rest and has allowed most staff to clear annual leave by hiring additional manpower and adjusting non-urgent services.

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10 Jan 2022

Impact of Updated COVID-19 Border Restrictions on Cruises and Merchant Ships

The Minister for Transport confirmed that the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore has implemented safety measures to manage risks from the COVID-19 Omicron variant, requiring approval for shore-based personnel to board ships from higher-risk countries.
No Omicron cases have been detected on ships calling at the Port of Singapore to date, and cruise ships are only permitted to operate with start and end points in Singapore without any stops elsewhere.
The Ministry will continue to review safety measures and testing protocols for the maritime sector in line with the Ministry of Health's guidelines for frontline workers.

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10 Jan 2022

Waiting Times for First and Follow-up Appointments to See Mental Health Professionals at Government Facilities

The median waiting time for a first subsidised appointment with a psychiatrist and psychologist at public hospitals was 34 and 32 days respectively in 2020.
A triage system is used to prioritise patients based on the urgency of their condition, and follow-up intervals are tailored to individual needs.
Alternative support includes care from primary doctors and polyclinics, teleconsultations at IMH, and community outreach teams that have reached over 383,000 persons with reported improvements.
Crisis and counselling helplines, support groups, and online resources like mindline.sg are available to assist patients during waiting periods.

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10 Jan 2022

Courage Fund Eligibility for COVID-19-positive Lower-income Persons Recovering at Home

The member asked whether individuals recovering at home with a positive COVID-19 test but without a formal isolation order are eligible for the Courage Fund.
The Minister clarified that such individuals are not eligible because their required self-isolation is short, and the fund targets households with protracted income loss.
Only those on a mandatory Home Recovery Programme or in a care facility with a longer isolation order qualify for the Courage Fund.
Households in need of support but not eligible for the Courage Fund can seek alternative assistance through the ComCare hotline or Social Service Offices.

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10 Jan 2022

Government's Purchase Agreements for New COVID-19 Anti-viral Drugs

The Ministry of Health has signed a purchase agreement for Molnupiravir and is in advanced discussions to purchase Paxlovid, but cannot disclose the number of courses due to confidentiality clauses.
Pfizer has submitted a Pandemic Special Access Route application for Paxlovid to the Health Sciences Authority, which is currently reviewing the data for interim authorisation.
The Ministry will continue to monitor and purchase promising COVID-19 therapeutics, ensuring they are effective against prevailing variants and safe for use in Singapore.

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10 Jan 2022

Free and Confidential Counselling Services for Social Workers

Louis Ng Kok Kwang inquired if the Ministry would consider providing social workers with confidential, free counselling services similar to those offered to lawyers by the Law Society of Singapore.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M highlighted that while Social Service Agencies set their own welfare policies, most offer compassionate leave, and initiatives like the National Care Hotline and Sabbatical Leave Scheme support mental well-being.
The Ministry and National Council of Social Service engage agencies to promote mental health awareness and have launched schemes, including co-funding for counselling services, which have already enrolled 63 agencies employing over 12,000 professionals.

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10 Jan 2022

Singapore's Contributions to Global Efforts to Combat COVID-19

Singapore has contributed to global and regional COVID-19 efforts through multilateral initiatives like COVAX, including co-founding the Friends of the COVAX Facility and providing donations of vaccines, oxygen, medical supplies, and financial aid to countries in need.
The government has supported ASEAN and other partners by sharing best practices, such as open-sourcing TraceTogether, and maintaining its air and sea ports to ensure global supply chain continuity during the pandemic.
Singapore remains committed to strengthening pandemic preparedness through WHO collaborations and plans to continue contributing to global health resilience in 2022, emphasizing the need for collective international action.

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10 Jan 2022

Supporting Mental Well-being of Healthcare Professionals amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

Wan Rizal and Tin Pei Ling asked about the number of healthcare workers using mental health support services and what more can be done to encourage seeking help, with a focus on preventing depression and self-harm.
Shahira Abdullah inquired about specific policies and programmes to reduce burnout and improve mental health among public healthcare workers during the prolonged pandemic.
Ong Ye Kung reported increased use of counselling, helplines, and peer support services from 2019 to 2021, indicating growing awareness and need for mental well-being support.
Healthcare clusters have expanded support measures, including well-being offices, staff committees, mandatory mental wellness training, and technology tools like AI chatbots and online self-assessment.
The Ministry of Health will continue collaborating with public healthcare institutions to promote mental health initiatives and encourage help-seeking behaviours among staff.

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