Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

14 Sep 2021

Extending Specialised Subsidised Dental Treatment to Patients from External Referral Sources

Dr Shahira Abdullah asked if subsidised specialised dental treatment could be extended to external referrals like polyclinics and public institutions, and sought data on waiting times and the percentage of in-patient referrals seen at hospital dental clinics.
Minister Ong Ye Kung confirmed that subsidised patients from polyclinics and CHAS clinics can already be referred to National Specialty Dental Centres for approved procedures, with a median waiting time of 33 days for non-emergency cases.
Hospital Dental Clinics primarily serve hospital patients for medical or surgical needs and generally do not accept external referrals, but they can partner with specialty centres to expand services subject to MOH approval.
The government will continue monitoring and meeting Singaporeans' dental care needs across appropriate settings.

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14 Sep 2021

Reason for Long Lead Time to Implement Changes to MediShield Life Coverage for Cancer Treatment

The one-year lead time was given so that existing patients could complete their current treatment and adjust their plans to alternatives that are effective, cost-effective, and eligible for MediShield Life claims.
The lead time is also required to make significant system changes to support claims processing and financial counselling for the new coverage.
The changes announced in August 2021 are scheduled for implementation in September 2022, and the Minister explained that this timeline is necessary to ensure a smooth transition and support for affected patients.

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14 Sep 2021

Number of New Nurses from Philippines Hired in Local Healthcare System Annually over Past 10 Years

Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Ministry of Health about the annual number of new nurses from the Philippines hired in Singapore over the past 10 years and whether this has significantly reduced since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ong Ye Kung replied that, on average, 400 new Filipino nurses were registered annually with the Singapore Nursing Board over the past decade, with increases during new hospital openings.
He added that the total number of Filipino nurses has stayed stable over the last five years, including during the pandemic, with only a slight dip between end-2019 and end-2020.

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14 Sep 2021

Statistics on Utilisation of COVID-19 Enquiries Hotline during Resumption of Phase 2 (Heightened Alert)

The Ministry of Health received 111,062 calls on the COVID-19 General Enquiries hotline from 22 July to 18 August 2021, representing a utilisation rate of 246% of the normal capacity.
The hotline operated at peak utilisation about one-fourth of the time during the period, with 19,735 calls unanswered and 11,013 (9.9% of total calls) dropped before connecting to an operator.
Among answered calls, 901 callers (1%) waited more than 30 minutes before reaching an operator.

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14 Sep 2021

Data on Singaporeans Assessed to Have Allergic Reactions to First Dose of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine

About 7,100 Singaporeans were assessed to have allergic reactions to the first dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine and were invited to complete their vaccination with Sinovac-CoronaVac.
Among them, 3,900 individuals have registered for Sinovac vaccination at four public hospital clinics with a waiting time of two to four weeks, and MOH is working to reduce this wait time.
Individuals with mRNA vaccine allergies are advised against a second mRNA dose but can seek reassessment with a supporting memo from a medical provider at their own cost if they wish to proceed with the second mRNA dose.

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14 Sep 2021

Protocols for Individuals to Seek Medical Attention from Healthcare Facilities when Serving a Quarantine Order or Stay-home Notice

Individuals under Quarantine Orders or Stay-Home Notices are instructed to contact their designated agents or managing agents for medical assistance, with detailed instructions and contact numbers provided to them.
In emergencies, they are advised to call 995 directly or have family members do so, with ambulances arranged to transport them to Public Health Institutions under pre-arranged safety protocols.
For non-emergency cases, agents facilitate MOH-approved teleconsultation services to minimize physical contact and exposure.

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14 Sep 2021

Protection of Patient Information by Private Healthcare Providers

Joan Pereira inquired if private healthcare providers should be mandated to follow MOH's data protocols and only use approved IT systems to protect patient information.
Ong Ye Kung explained that both public and private healthcare institutions are already regulated under the PHMCA and PDPA to safeguard medical records, with MOH conducting regular audits to ensure compliance.
MOH has issued Healthcare Cybersecurity Essentials guidelines to guide providers in establishing comprehensive safeguards covering IT, processes, and personnel, and will continue updating the regulatory framework to enhance data protection.

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14 Sep 2021

Provision of Additional Guidance to Assist Doctors in Spotting Signs of Physical and Non-Physical Abuse in Foreign Domestic Workers

The Ministry of Health has issued a circular to all registered doctors and medical clinics outlining how to spot and manage signs of domestic abuse, including both physical and non-physical forms, for all domestic workers, not just foreign ones.
A joint circular with the Ministry of Manpower was sent in August to enhance the six-monthly medical examinations for foreign domestic workers, reminding doctors to check and document possible signs of abuse.
Professional medical bodies, including the Singapore Medical Association and the College of Family Physicians Singapore, have further disseminated guidelines to their members based on these circulars.

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14 Sep 2021

Number of Residents Followed Up by Medical Practitioners, Found Suitable for and Received COVID-19 Vaccinations at Hospitals, Polyclinics and Private Clinics

Gan Thiam Poh asked for the number of residents followed up by medical practitioners and found suitable for and received COVID-19 vaccinations at hospitals, polyclinics, and private clinics.
Ong Ye Kung responded that all persons are medically assessed at vaccination centres, polyclinics, or participating clinics before vaccination.
The Expert Committee on COVID-19 Vaccination advised that only those with previous vaccine allergies are medically ineligible, and the vast majority are suitable for mRNA vaccines.

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14 Sep 2021

Update on Resumption of In-person Co-Curricular Activities in Schools

Christopher de Souza requested a status update on the resumption of in-person co-curricular activities in primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions.
Chan Chun Sing stated that in-person co-curricular activities have resumed since August 10, 2021, in secondary schools, junior colleges, Millennia Institute, and Institutes of Higher Learning, following safe management measures.
Some activities like choir and wind instruments remain online due to higher risk, while in-person co-curricular activities in primary schools are suspended as most students are unvaccinated.
The Ministry of Education will continue monitoring the situation and assess when in-person activities can safely resume for primary school students.

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14 Sep 2021

Plans for Gradual Opening of Borders and Resumption of Travel for Business and Leisure Purposes

The Minister for Transport outlined that Singapore is gradually reopening its borders, with the pace depending on the COVID-19 situation and vaccination rates in both Singapore and other countries.
Several travel schemes are in place, including unilateral opening to low-risk places like Mainland China and Taiwan, and pilot Vaccinated Travel Lanes with Germany and Brunei that include testing and no quarantine.
The Reciprocal Green Lane and Business Travel Pass allow specific business travel without quarantine, though some arrangements are suspended, and discussions with other countries are ongoing to expand safe reopening.

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14 Sep 2021

Rehabilitation and Reintegration Challenges Faced by Prison Inmates Aged 55 and above upon Release and Measure to Assist Them

Older prison inmates aged 55 and above face challenges including age-related health issues, securing accommodation, employment, financial needs, and social support, similar to other offenders but with additional vulnerabilities due to their age.
While in prison, inmates have access to rehabilitation programmes that can be adapted for age-specific needs, and after release, they can benefit from community-based programmes like CBP and MAS for supervised reintegration, with tailored support from volunteers and befrienders.
Healthcare services are provided during and after imprisonment, with referrals for continued treatment and mental health support, while post-release accommodation assistance is facilitated through Family Resource Centres and social workers.
Employment support is delivered through Yellow Ribbon Singapore, which offers skills training, job placement, and career coaching, including digital literacy programs like "Seniors Go Digital" to help older inmates secure suitable jobs.
Family and volunteer support are emphasized, with initiatives like the Throughcare Volunteer Framework and befriender programmes to maintain relationships and provide pro-social guidance for older offenders lacking family support.

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14 Sep 2021

Proposal to Indicate Vaccination Status on SafeEntry Gateway Device

Gerald Giam proposed upgrading SafeEntry Gateway devices to display vaccination status to reduce crowding and disputes at access points.
The Prime Minister, represented by Josephine Teo, stated that businesses can already verify vaccination status using the SafeEntry (Business) App with TraceTogether tokens or apps.
No plans exist to redesign the SafeEntry Gateway Box, as the current method is considered fast and sufficient, offering little additional utility from an upgrade.

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14 Sep 2021

Measures to Enhance Attractiveness and Career Prospects in Intermediate and Long-term Care Sector

Joan Pereira asked about the working hours and salaries of nurses in the intermediate and long-term care (ILTC) sector compared to public healthcare nurses, and what measures will be taken to improve the sector’s attractiveness and career prospects.
Ong Ye Kung explained that ILTC nurses have different job requirements, and the Ministry of Health works to ensure competitive salaries, including funding in 2020 and 2024 to raise wages for local nurses and other staff groups.
The government is strengthening recruitment and workforce development through job redesign pilots, funding for hiring and training, scholarships, traineeships, training subsidies, and a public campaign to raise awareness of ILTC job opportunities.

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14 Sep 2021

Sheltered and Barrier-free Access Points at Polyclinics

All existing and upcoming polyclinics in Singapore provide sheltered drop-off points and barrier-free access for patients and visitors, including those with mobility issues.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, some polyclinics temporarily use drop-off areas for pre-entry screening, but alternative barrier-free and sheltered access remains available.
At Woodlands Polyclinic, alternative barrier-free and sheltered access exists nearby, though less convenient than original points, with efforts ongoing to improve the situation.

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14 Sep 2021

Numbers of COVID-19 Deaths and ICU Cases in Singapore Linked to Delta Variant

From 1 to 31 August 2021, there were 18 COVID-19 deaths, with 13 linked to sub-clusters of the JFP cluster and five unlinked.
From 1 May to 31 August 2021, there were 25 COVID-19 deaths and 35 ICU admissions; among the deaths, 20 had successful sequencing and all were Delta variant.
For the 35 ICU admissions, 24 had successful sequencing and 23 were Delta variant, indicating a strong linkage between the Delta variant and severe cases.

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14 Sep 2021

Study on Effects of COVID-19 Infection on Vaccinated Persons

Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked about recovery times, studies on infection duration, and transmission risk for fully vaccinated COVID-19 patients.
Minister Ong Ye Kung stated that fully vaccinated individuals recover faster, with viral levels becoming non-infectious within about 10 days, compared to 15 days for unvaccinated persons.
He noted that while vaccinated patients have a shorter infectious period, they are equally likely to transmit the virus to others during that time as unvaccinated individuals.

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14 Sep 2021

Quantity and Side-effects of Anti-depressants Dispensed to Patients Under 21 Years Old

Dr Shahira Abdullah asked the Ministry of Health for statistics on antidepressant prescriptions to patients under 21, the medical protocols to mitigate risks, and how patients and caregivers are alerted to risks and supervision needs.
Ong Ye Kung provided national figures showing 4,535 patients under 21 were prescribed antidepressants in 2019 and 4,763 in 2020.
He stated that healthcare professionals, such as doctors and pharmacists, counsel patients and caregivers before treatment begins, covering the purpose, side effects, monitoring, and safe use of the medications.
The response included that information leaflets may be provided and recommendations are given on how and when to seek further medical help.

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14 Sep 2021

Professional Help for Family and Elderly Suffering From Depression and Other Mental Health Issues

The Minister for Health noted that the Interagency Taskforce on Mental Health and Well-being, established in July 2021, is developing a comprehensive national strategy to address mental health issues, including access to care, insurance coverage, and volunteer involvement.
Existing initiatives include MediShield Life and MediFund for psychiatric care coverage, with guidelines being formulated to ensure fair treatment by Integrated Shield Plan insurers, and Mental Health Community Outreach Teams using volunteers to identify and refer vulnerable individuals.
For individuals who refuse mental health assessment, ground agencies like the Police and Town Councils engage with them or their families to explore interventions, and the Taskforce will review current approaches to improve care access.

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14 Sep 2021

Consultations and Assessments on Contraindications for mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines

About 1,000 individuals with previous vaccine allergies were referred to allergists for mRNA vaccine assessment, with the process fully subsidized for eligible residents.
Around 7,100 people who had allergic reactions after the first mRNA vaccine dose were offered a Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccination program, with 3,900 showing interest.
The Minister confirmed that individuals with contraindications can access free specialist consultations to choose suitable vaccines based on current medical data.

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