Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

2 Nov 2021

Efforts in Addressing Mental Health Issues and Suicide cases within Muslim Community

The Ministry of Social and Family Development outlines a multi-pronged national strategy focusing on building resilience, encouraging help-seeking, supporting at-risk groups, and providing crisis support for mental health and suicide prevention, accessible to all Singaporeans including the Muslim community.
Schools and madrasahs implement mental health education, staff training for early identification, and peer support structures, with community partners like Club HEAL providing counselling for students, while broader efforts like the "Beyond the Label" campaign tackle stigma and promote help-seeking.
Community organizations such as PPIS's SYM Academy and the SGTeguhBersatu Taskforce deliver targeted psycho-social support and resilience resources for Muslim women and families, complementing national services like IMH and SOS hotlines, GP clinics, and integrated care from AIC.

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2 Nov 2021

Proposal to Minimise Home-based Learning to Facilitate Interactions among Students and Provide Holistic Development beyond Academic Excellence

Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Education to consider minimising home-based learning (HBL) to enhance student interactions and support holistic development beyond academics, especially given the risks of depression and anxiety.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) acknowledged that HBL cannot fully substitute in-person schooling and noted its limitations on peer support and extracurricular activities, while emphasising efforts to maintain social connections and academic continuity through technology.
MOE is prioritising the resumption of normal school life, starting with secondary schools and above due to higher vaccination rates, and plans to gradually restore CCAs and larger school events, with a focus on safeguarding younger, unvaccinated primary students.
To support well-being and curriculum recovery, MOE cancelled 2021 year-end examinations for Primary 3 and 4 students and will continue adjusting school activities based on the evolving COVID-19 situation.

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2 Nov 2021

Cost of and Possible Waiver of Fee Charged for Seeking Doctor's Memo for Medical Test Results at Restructured Hospitals

The average cost for a doctor's memo or medical test results at restructured hospitals is $8, while detailed medical reports for insurance or similar purposes range from $90 to $535 depending on complexity, charged on a cost recovery basis for manpower and administration.
Fee waivers are available for patients facing financial difficulty or when the report is an official requirement, subject to hospital consideration, and routine test results are freely accessible via HealthHub or during regular consultations.
The Ministry of Health has not indicated a policy to provide automatic fee waivers for first-time requests of medical documents, as charges are based on cost recovery and waivers are assessed case by case.

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2 Nov 2021

Take-up Rate for and Steps to Encourage COVID-19 Vaccination amongst Homeless and Rough Sleepers

Murali Pillai asked about the vaccination take-up rate among homeless and rough sleepers in Singapore and the steps taken to encourage them to get vaccinated and receive booster shots.
As of 30 September 2021, 90% of rough sleepers and homeless individuals accepted into MSF’s temporary shelters were fully vaccinated.
MSF is collaborating with partners to conduct physical outreach within allowed group sizes to encourage vaccination and booster shots for those still sleeping rough.
Rough sleepers can walk into mRNA vaccination centres without an appointment to receive their primary doses since 10 August 2021.

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2 Nov 2021

Update on HSA's Consideration of COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Progress of Obtaining Approval

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Ministry of Health for an update on vaccines under consideration by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for children below 12 and the progress of obtaining approval.
Ong Ye Kung stated he had addressed the query in a prior reply to Question No. 72 on 1 November 2021, referring to an official report on assessment criteria for Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines.
The response directs attention to the Official Report, Vol 95, Issue 41, for detailed information on vaccine inclusion in the National Vaccination Programme.

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2 Nov 2021

Timeline for Approval for non-mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines to be Included in National Vaccination Programme

Leong Mun Wai asked the Minister for Health about the timeline to include non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccines like Sinopharm and AstraZeneca into the national vaccination programme via the Pandemic Special Access Route.
Ong Ye Kung responded that he had already addressed this in a reply to a previous question on November 1, 2021, and referred to the official report for details.
The debate centered on the approval process for non-mRNA vaccines and the timeline for their inclusion in Singapore's national programme.

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2 Nov 2021

Number of and Outcomes for COVID-19 Patients Eligible for Home Recovery Programme and Rate of Infection to Their Family Members

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked about accommodations for individuals unable to receive the COVID-19 vaccine due to medical reasons amid new movement restrictions for the unvaccinated.
Yip Hon Weng requested data on the percentage of close contacts of COVID-19-positive cases who become infected, broken down by vaccination status.
He Ting Ru inquired about studies on COVID-19 patients eligible for home recovery who rely on informal carers, the support provided to these carers, and alternative care arrangements.
Foo Mee Har sought the probability of contracting COVID-19 from close contacts on the Home Recovery Programme compared to workplace infections.
Ong Ye Kung referred all questions to his prior written reply dated 1 November 2021 on updated COVID-19 protocols and vaccination matters.

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2 Nov 2021

Collection of Free Antigen Rapid Test Kits from Vending Machines for Self-tests Given Emphasis on Personal Responsibility

Gerald Giam Yean Song asked if the Government would allow individuals to collect free antigen rapid test (ART) kits from vending machines to supplement the household distribution, in light of the updated health protocols emphasizing personal responsibility and self-testing.
Ong Ye Kung stated that individuals receiving a Health Risk Warning can collect six ART kits from vending machines, and workers on mandatory testing regimes are provided free kits.
The Government distributed six kits per household from August to September and is distributing another 10 from October to December.
Individuals needing additional kits can purchase them from major retailers and e-commerce platforms.
The debate focused on the availability of free ART kits through vending machines to support regular self-testing under the new personal responsibility framework.

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2 Nov 2021

Amount of Quarantine Order Allowance Distributed to Affected Persons and Average Waiting Time

S$16.2 million has been distributed to eligible applicants under the Quarantine Order Allowance scheme.
Payouts are typically processed within three months of application submission.
A recent surge in applications over the past two months has prompted MOH to expedite processing.

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2 Nov 2021

Average Weekly Working Hours of Medical Housemen in Past Five Years and Measures to Reduce These Hours in Post-COVID-19 Environment

In response to a query on the average weekly working hours of housemen and medical officers over the past five years, the Minister stated that working hours depend on multiple factors beyond cohort size and that efforts are made to adhere to Singapore Medical Council guidelines, which include limits on weekly work hours and rest periods, with annual surveys showing high compliance rates.
Regarding whether shifts of over 30 hours still occur for housemen, the Minister explained that the traditional 24-hour duty system remains, but with guidelines to limit post-call activities, and surveys indicate most departments comply with these rules, while the night float system is being studied as a possible complement to the traditional call system.
On reviewing resident doctors’ weekly hours in a post-COVID-19 environment, the Minister highlighted that a national committee was commissioned to promote junior doctor well-being and examine work-related stress factors, including work hours and night-call durations, with ongoing initiatives to balance patient care needs and doctor welfare.
The Minister also noted that working hours are influenced by various factors, including the size of medical degree intakes and the number of doctors in each cohort, but emphasized that current measures focus on guideline compliance and well-being support rather than directly linking hours to cohort numbers.

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2 Nov 2021

Update on COVID-19 Potential Treatments and Tightening Control over Drugs Sold Illegally

The Ministry of Health tracks illegally imported, distributed, or sold prescription drugs through audits of licensed importers and distributors, collaboration with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, and monitoring of online sales platforms.
Legal penalties for contravening the Health Products Act include fines up to $50,000 and/or imprisonment up to two years, and all prescription medicines require HSA approval before legal supply in Singapore.
Singapore has secured a portfolio of five classes of COVID-19 therapeutics, including steroids, anti-virals, monoclonal antibodies, IL-6 inhibitors, and JAK inhibitors, by tracking global developments and engaging pharmaceutical companies.
The Health Sciences Authority actively monitors and stops illegal imports while working with law enforcement to ensure prescription drugs do not reach the wrong hands.
Regular audits and compliance checks are conducted to tighten control over the supply chain of prescription medicines in Singapore.

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2 Nov 2021

Measures to Facilitate and Expedite Entry of Migrant Domestic Workers to Meet Demand

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced that entry approvals for migrant domestic workers (MDWs) have been tightened since May 2021 due to COVID-19, reducing monthly entries from 3,400 to 900, but approvals will increase from November 2021 if the pandemic stabilises, with prioritisation for families with healthcare workers and caregiving needs.
A pilot programme by the Association of Employment Agencies (Singapore) has facilitated over 1,000 MDWs from the Philippines, Indonesia, and Myanmar since July 2021, with plans to expand to India, though fees vary and financial assistance is available for COVID-19 test and accommodation costs.
Salaries for transfer MDWs have risen modestly from an average of $630 per month in 2020 to $660 by September 2021, and with more entry approvals expected, demand for transfers is anticipated to ease, though households may consider the AEAS programme for urgent needs.

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2 Nov 2021

Number of and Treatment for Those with Clinical Depression and Anxiety

From 2016 to 2019, an average of 49,800 Singapore residents received mental health treatment annually, with about 33,700 treated for depression and 34,500 for anxiety, though these figures include repeat visits.
The majority of patients are under 60, of Chinese ethnicity, and about 30% live in 3-room or smaller public flats, with unemployment and divorce linked to depression and stress associated with anxiety.
The Ministry of Health does not have a ready ballpark figure for annual expenses on mental health issues and suggested filing a parliamentary question for specifics.

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2 Nov 2021

Annual Number of Suicides and Attempted Suicides by Age, Race, Educational Level and Economic Background

The Parliamentary Secretary stated that while annual suicide data by age and race is publicly released, breakdowns by education level and economic background are unavailable; the data shows older adults (60+) and Indians have higher suicide rates, while younger persons (19 and below) and Malays have lower rates.
Multiple interrelated factors, including relationships, family, social, financial, mental, and physical health issues, contribute to suicides and attempted suicides.
Singapore employs a multi-agency, upstream approach to suicide prevention, offering support through schools, institutes of higher learning, workplaces, and family service centers to encourage help-seeking and provide crisis intervention.
For individuals rescued from attempted suicide, support is automatically provided upon identification or hospitalization, though continuing with the support is voluntary; measures are not mandatory but are available and typically utilized.

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2 Nov 2021

Universal Definition of Mental Disorder and Mental Disability Across All Legislation

Dr Shahira Abdullah proposed a universal definition for mental disorder and mental disability across all legislation and a review of criminal laws to better protect persons with mental conditions in the justice system.
The Second Minister for Law explained that current legislation uses context-specific definitions tailored to different policy intents, such as protection, detention, or capacity, and noted existing safeguards in the criminal justice system.
The Minister stated the government is open to a common definition if it can meet all policy intents and invited suggestions for improvements.
Dr Shahira asked about upcoming reviews and whether the Interagency Taskforce for Mental Health could help establish a common definition for future laws.
The Minister welcomed ongoing suggestions and highlighted the need to balance different contextual needs when considering a universal definition.

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2 Nov 2021

Trend of Migrant Workers Staying in Dormitories Seeking Mental Healthcare

The Ministry of Manpower has established a multi-pronged support system, including the Project DAWN task force, to enhance mental healthcare access and awareness for migrant workers in dormitories, with initiatives like psychological first aid training and an escalation pathway to the Institute of Mental Health.
Data from January to September 2021 shows 98 work permit holders were admitted to IMH, lower than 2020 but higher than 2019; a Yale-NUS study found no notable difference in stress or depression levels between migrant workers and locals, though movement restrictions may increase stress.
Efforts to ease restrictions include increasing recreation centre visits to three times weekly, expanding community visits from 500 to 3,000 vaccinated workers per week, and extending visit durations, with plans to further open up in a calibrated manner while managing public health concerns.
The approach to mental health training is holistic, involving employers, dorm operators, NGOs, and healthcare providers, with programs like the FACE network and buddy systems to support peer and employer-led mental wellness.
The increase to 3,000 community visits was based on safety assessments, vaccination rates, and logistical feedback, with ongoing monitoring to balance worker well-being and healthcare system capacity.

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2 Nov 2021

Mental Distress or Psychiatric Issues Reported by Teaching Staff in Schools and Institutes of Higher Learning

Education Minister Chan Chun Sing acknowledged increased teacher workload and stress during COVID-19, detailing measures such as workload reprioritization, flexibility in program implementation, simplified COVID-19 management protocols, and access to counselling services.
The Ministry is promoting staff well-being through initiatives like wellness ambassadors, stress management workshops, and training for peer support, while noting a rise in counselling usage among teachers since 2020.
MPs raised concerns about ongoing pressures, requested further steps to reduce non-essential workload and strengthen partnerships with unions and parents, and inquired about additional support like cost subsidies for counselling and dedicated pastoral care for teachers.

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1 Nov 2021

Clarification by Minister for Health

The Minister clarified that nursing home infections account for a small percentage of total senior infections, initially cited as 6.4% but later corrected to about 6.8% of critical cases.
The majority of infections among seniors are due to community transmission rather than within nursing homes.
The clarification was provided in response to a question from Mr Leong Mun Wai regarding infection rates in nursing homes.

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1 Nov 2021

Protocols to Ensure Threshold of Vaccination Levels among Workers in Dormitories and Verification of Vaccination Status of New Arrivals

Ms He Ting Ru asked about the current vaccination rates among migrant workers in dormitories, the breakdown of unvaccinated workers by dormitory, and whether there are protocols to ensure no dormitory falls below a certain vaccination threshold.
The Minister for Manpower reported that 98% of migrant workers in dormitories are fully vaccinated, and 96% of dormitories have over 80% of residents vaccinated, with ongoing efforts to engage employers and workers for vaccination or verification of overseas records.
In the past three months, over 6,200 workers arrived, with about 2,700 verified as fully vaccinated and 900 having one dose; the remaining 2,600 are being followed up for vaccination or verification, which typically takes about a week.

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1 Nov 2021

Vaccine Hesitancy among Work Pass Holders

From 1 November 2021, Singapore will only allow fully vaccinated work pass holders to enter the country, with exceptions for those medically ineligible who can appeal with a doctor’s memo.
Work pass holders already in Singapore are not explicitly required to vaccinate, but vaccination status will affect workplace return from 1 January 2022, where only vaccinated or recently recovered employees can return.
The Ministry of Manpower noted that 96% of work pass holders are already fully vaccinated and will continue monitoring and implementing measures to sustain high vaccination rates.

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