Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

1 Nov 2021

Take-up Rate of Diabetes Screening in Singapore in Past Three Years

Leon Perera questioned the Minister for Health about the age breakdown of diabetes screenings in the past three years, plans to improve screening uptake among younger or lower-income groups, and the possibility of mandating screening at key life stages like national service enlistment.
Ong Ye Kung reported that 78.5% of residents aged 40 to 74 were screened in the past three years, with rates increasing with age, while 57.6% of those aged 18 to 39 were screened despite low diabetes risk in that group.
The government emphasizes voluntary screening and personal responsibility, promoting it through subsidised programs like Screen for Life, community outreach, and workplace initiatives, while leveraging key life stages such as antenatal care but not mandating general screenings.

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1 Nov 2021

COVID-19 Impact on Home Visits and Interventions by IMH Community Health Team and Community Dementia Services

Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin inquired about how home visits and interventions by the IMH Community Health Team and community dementia services were affected by COVID-19 safety measures.
Ong Ye Kung stated that community mental health and dementia services continued with precautions, using phone or video consultations for suitable patients and in-person visits for those with severe needs, while limiting high-risk group activities.
He added that support remains available through helplines like the SOS 24-hour crisis hotline, IMH Mental Health Helpline, and the Senior Helpline.

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1 Nov 2021

Making Available More Affordable or Subsidised Treatment for Mental Health Given Likely Increase in Cases during COVID-19 Pandemic Period

Darryl David raised concerns about the need for more affordable or subsidised mental health treatment given the likely increase in cases during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ong Ye Kung stated that the government has expanded mental health initiatives and that existing subsidies apply to mental health services, with eligible patients receiving up to 75% subsidies at public clinics.
Mental health treatment is covered under the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) and Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP), with subsidies and MediSave usage available to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
For inpatient treatment, patients receive up to 80% subsidies at public hospitals and can use MediShield Life and MediSave, with MediFund available for those unable to afford treatment.
The Minister emphasised that no Singaporean is denied access to appropriate mental health treatment due to inability to pay.

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1 Nov 2021

Impact of COVID-19-related Movement Restrictions on Mental Health of Migrant Workers

The Ministry of Manpower has not conducted a specific study on the impact of movement restrictions on migrant workers' mental health, though an earlier Yale-NUS study indicated no notable difference in stress, anxiety, and depression levels between locals and migrant workers, with some signs of higher stress among restricted workers.
Project DAWN has been established to strengthen mental health support through training over 500 frontline officers in psychological first aid, expanding 24-hour counselling services like HealthServe's, and training peer support leaders, with a goal of 600 by end-2022.
Mental healthcare access has been enhanced via helplines, regional medical centres, and an escalation pathway to the Institute of Mental Health, while movement restrictions have been cautiously eased with increased Recreation Centre visits and pilot community visits for vaccinated workers.

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1 Nov 2021

Assessment of Collaboration for Duke-NUS Medical School

Since its establishment in 2005, Duke-NUS Medical School has graduated 558 students with Doctor of Medicine or MD-PhD degrees, with about 10% enrolled in the combined MD-PhD pathway.
A significant portion of graduates are engaged in research, with 30 holding or having held Adjunct Research Fellow appointments and over 540 research papers published by graduates to date.
The collaboration has met its objectives of developing a world-class medical institution, injecting capabilities and diversity into Singapore’s healthcare system, and integrating clinical service, research, and education.
The Ministry of Health fully supports NUS’s continued collaboration with Duke University, indicating that the partnership remains strategically important.

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1 Nov 2021

Assessed Risk of COVID-19 Transmission to Individuals Living or Going to School Near Nursing Homes Repurposed Into Community Treatment Facilities

The Minister for Health acknowledged the establishment of the first community treatment facility (CTF) in Tampines, repurposed from a nursing home, and thanked residents for their support.
He stated that CTFs are subject to stringent infection control measures and clarified that COVID-19 transmission typically occurs through close contact, not airborne spread between premises.
He emphasized that CTFs help reduce the burden on public hospitals by treating stable patients, and while the question from Mr. Desmond Choo addressed local concerns, no specific assessed risk was provided for nearby schools or residents.

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1 Nov 2021

Efforts to Reduce Costs of PCR Tests for Entry into and Exit from Singapore through Changi Airport

The Changi Airport Group (CAG) has lowered the on-arrival PCR test fee twice, from an initial S$300 to the current S$160, and will further reduce it to S$125 from 18 November 2021 following a new tender for lab services.
CAG operates a dedicated 24/7 testing facility at Changi Airport to process large volumes of travellers, with a standard service to deliver results within 12 hours and typically sooner within eight hours.
The Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other agencies, continues to review border measures and testing protocols, including the type and number of tests, to support safe international travel and the revival of the aerospace sector.

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1 Nov 2021

Ensuring Accuracy Given Different Brands of Antigen Rapid Test Kits

The Ministry of Health and Health Sciences Authority ensure all antigen rapid test kits sold locally are authorized under the Pandemic Special Access Route, with robust quality standards and validation processes.
MOH conducts analytical and clinical validations of test kits, supported by healthcare institutions and the Diagnostics Development Hub, to ensure only high-quality kits are approved.
HSA monitors the performance of ART kits after authorization and ensures only approved kits are sold for self-testing, while MOH evaluates additional kits to diversify supply.
MOH keeps prices under close watch but has not observed or received reports of profiteering from ART kit sales.
The government aims to maintain market competition and ensure benefits from economies of scale are passed to consumers.

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1 Nov 2021

Bulk Purchase Programme to Allow Households to Purchase Antigen Rapid Test Kits More Competitive Price

Chua Kheng Wee Louis proposed a government bulk purchase programme to sell antigen rapid test kits at competitive prices to households needing more kits.
Ong Ye Kung stated that both MOH and retailers already buy in bulk and that MOH has made kits affordable through free distributions, vending machine withdrawals, and monitoring supply.
Ong Ye Kung also noted that the government is prepared to release stocks to retailers if shortages occur.

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1 Nov 2021

Plans and Targets to Expand Day and Home Care Capacity to Promote Ageing-in-place

Minister Ong Ye Kung stated that since 2015, 4,600 day care and 3,100 home care places were added to support ageing-in-place.
Plans include rolling out the Eldercare Centre service model to over 200 centres by 2024 to provide active ageing programmes and community support.
New care pilots, such as night respite for dementia patients, are reviewed for cost-effectiveness and scalability before potential mainstreaming, with some pilots extended post-COVID.

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1 Nov 2021

Number Placed on Various Quarantine Orders in Past Three Months and Number of Travellers Allowed to Serve Quarantine in Own Homes

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked for the number of Quarantine Orders, Health Risk Warnings, and Health Risk Alerts issued in the past three months, as well as the number of returning Singapore residents allowed to serve their Stay-Home Notice at home.
In response, Minister Ong Ye Kung stated that over 179,000 persons were placed on Quarantine Order, more than 106,000 received Health Risk Warnings, and about 111,000 were issued Health Risk Alerts during the period.
He added that nearly 14,000 returning Singapore residents served their Stay-Home Notice in their own accommodation over the same timeframe.

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1 Nov 2021

Updated Protocols for COVID-19 Patients, Vaccination for Children and Delays in Response Time by Government COVID-19 Teams

Pritam Singh and Sylvia Lim raised concerns about delays in government response times and transport for COVID-19 patients, with Singh asking if delays led to ICU hospitalisation or death, while Lim inquired if patients should contact SCDF ambulances directly.
Multiple members, including Leong Mun Wai, Dennis Tan Lip Fong, and Chua Kheng Wee Louis, questioned the rationale and impact of vaccination-differentiated measures, exemption criteria for the unvaccinated or children, and access to public facilities.
Dr Wan Rizal and Ms Yeo Wan Ling sought updates on the COVID-19 epidemiological situation, the effectiveness of the Home Recovery Programme (HRP), and support for vulnerable individuals like those living alone, while also asking about hotline call volumes and potential spamming issues.
Minister Ong Ye Kung addressed the questions, noting stabilized case numbers, low vaccination rates among vulnerable groups, and improvements to the HRP, including faster response times and expanded telemedicine, while emphasizing the protection offered by vaccines and calibrated easing of measures.
The government outlined concessions for medically ineligible individuals, highlighted the role of the National CARE Hotline for emotional support, and stressed personal responsibility in adhering to health protocols to manage the pandemic effectively.

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1 Nov 2021

Assessment Criteria for Sinovac and Sinopharm COVID-19 Vaccines for Inclusion in National Vaccination Programme

The Ministry of Health evaluates vaccines through the Health Sciences Authority's Pandemic Special Access Route, requiring detailed safety, efficacy, and quality data before considering inclusion in the National Vaccination Programme.
Sinovac was included as it provided a non-mRNA option, demonstrated efficacy against severe disease, and had a safety profile consistent with other vaccines; Sinopharm and AstraZeneca are not currently planned for evaluation.
The government is monitoring other vaccine platforms and a potential heterologous booster strategy, which could lead to including additional vaccines in the programme if proven safe and effective.
Vaccination-differentiated safe management measures and outreach efforts have increased uptake, especially among the elderly, while considering policies like requiring the unvaccinated to bear part of medical costs to encourage vaccination.
The ministry continues to expand vaccine options and strongly encourages all medically eligible individuals to get vaccinated and receive boosters when eligible.

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1 Nov 2021

Steps to Curb Spread of Misinformation through Social Media and Closed Messaging Systems on COVID-19 Treatments

The Ministry of Health and Health Sciences Authority have issued consumer advisories and media statements to debunk misinformation about ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19, including a Correction Direction against a website for false claims.
HSA monitors and enforces regulations against illegal imports and online sales of prescription drugs like ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, with penalties up to $50,000 fines and two years' jail under the Health Products Act.
Singapore has procured a portfolio of approved COVID-19 therapeutics, with Molnupiravir pending Health Sciences Authority approval, and doctors may prescribe drugs off-label under strict ethical guidelines.

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1 Nov 2021

Support for Children whose Parents or Caregivers are Embroiled in Drug-related Offences

A whole-of-society approach provides social, financial, and educational support for children affected by parental drug-related offences, with agencies like MSF, Family Service Centres, and community partners coordinating care.
At arrest, law enforcement checks for children’s immediate needs, ensures caregiver arrangements, and refers cases with protection concerns to Child Protective Services or Family Service Centres for follow-up.
Schools offer a supportive environment with counselling, after-school care, and engagement programmes to help students facing family stressors, while prisons collaborate with community groups on mentoring, tuition, and family bonding initiatives.
Support programmes track children’s mental health, physical needs, and academic outcomes through referrals, counselling, and coordinated interventions across agencies.

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1 Nov 2021

Indicative Dates of Arrival for Employers of Migrant Domestic Workers

Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked the Ministry for Manpower (MOM) to provide indicative arrival dates for migrant domestic workers (MDWs) to help employers plan better.
MOM acknowledged families are waiting for entry approvals and will give more as the COVID-19 situation improves, with new applications open from 15 October 2021 for entry from 1 November.
Unsuccessful employers can check the portal in subsequent weeks for periodically released entry slots.
Households needing MDWs urgently may consider the commercial programme by the Association of Employment Agencies (Singapore).
The response aims to reduce uncertainty for employers while managing entry approvals based on pandemic conditions.

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1 Nov 2021

Review of Entry Requirements for Migrant Workers in Critical Sectors with Posture of COVID-19 as Endemic

Edward Chia and Poh Li San asked the Ministry of Manpower to review entry quotas and consider allowing fully vaccinated construction workers to enter from November 2021, given Singapore's endemic status and higher immunity in some countries.
The Ministry of Manpower resumed approvals for construction and migrant domestic workers from November 1, 2021, requiring all work pass holders to be fully vaccinated unless exempted, with possible waiting times of three to six months due to high demand.
Firms and families can use safe management initiatives to bring in workers, who may enter without vaccination proof but must complete vaccination within two months after arrival, with a strong recommendation for vaccinated or recovered workers.

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1 Nov 2021

PSLE Grades of Students Affected by Special Circumstances due to COVID-19 Situation

Chan Chun Sing reported that 39,281 students registered for the 2021 PSLE, with a 99.5% attendance rate, while 430 students (1.1%) missed at least one paper due to COVID-19 and 840 students on Quarantine Orders took exams under special arrangements.
The Ministry uses an established special consideration process to award projected grades for students who miss exams, using multiple data sources such as national and school-based exam results to ensure fairness.
Applications for special consideration are assessed individually, with the aim of providing accurate and fair grades through an evidence-based approach similar to international examination boards.

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1 Nov 2021

Update on ICU and Hospital Capacity

The Ministry of Health reported that COVID-19 patients occupy about 18% of acute hospital beds, with ICU beds at 60% capacity for COVID-19 cases, and healthcare workers are severely fatigued after 20 months of continuous pandemic response.
To manage rising cases, the government is expanding ICU capacity from 219 to 280 beds this week, with plans to increase further to 350, while emphasizing that manpower limitations and staff exhaustion are the primary constraints.
Vaccination remains critical, as unvaccinated seniors face significantly higher risks of severe illness and death, and the government continues to balance safe management measures with efforts to protect the healthcare system and avoid excess mortality.

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1 Nov 2021

Vaccinated Travel Lane Arrangements with More Territories

Minister S Iswaran outlined Singapore’s risk-based border reopening, including unilateral quarantine-free entry for travellers from low-risk Category I regions like mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, and the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) scheme for 13 countries with a daily quota rising to 4,000.
The VTL quota is allocated to airlines based on demand and operational plans, with the total representing about 5% of pre-COVID daily arrivals; authorities will monitor case rates and demand before considering further increases.
The minister emphasized a cautious, step-by-step expansion of VTLs, prioritizing public health safeguards and the verification of digital vaccination proofs before extending to more territories.
The VTL scheme serves as a pathfinder to restore general air travel and Singapore’s status as an international aviation hub, with ongoing reviews of testing protocols and safety measures.
Several MPs had asked about accelerating VTL arrangements, increasing quotas, and extending the scheme to lower-risk countries, with the minister addressing these concerns in his response.

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