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Changes to cancer coverage under Integrated Shield Plans coming into effect from 1 April
Patients should take note of the upcoming changes to cancer coverage under Integrated Shield Plans, effective from 1 April.
The changes introduced by Singapore’s Ministry of Health aim to control rising healthcare costs, while ensuring cancer treatments remain accessible and affordable for Singaporeans.
However, oncologists have expressed concerns that the coverage after the change will not be sufficient for many who do not have riders to cover the compulsory deductible and co-payment.
Weekly new cases of COVID-19 in Singapore surged over 10,000 for the past two weeks
There have been over 10,000 new cases of COVID-19 in Singapore per week for two consecutive weeks. Doctors interviewed say it is likely due to the more relaxed mindset of the public on preventative measures against COVID-19 infections.
Raccoon dog data sparks new debate about COVID origins
New genetic evidence of raccoon dogs present at the Wuhan market has reignited debate over the origin of COVID-19.
The researchers who found the genetic data say it supports the theory that the virus may have originated in animals and then jumped to humans at the market. However, this is still uncertain, and the virus’s origin continues to be a divisive issue for the scientific community.
Some believe it leaked from a Wuhan lab, while others argue it likely originated in animals. The WHO has called for more data to shed light on the start of the pandemic.
Ong Ye Kung denies Singapore’s initial advice against wearing mask was due insufficient supplies of surgical masks
During his speech on Singapore’s COVID-19 response, Workers’ Party MP Gerald Giam argued that the Singapore government initially advised against wearing masks not because they believed it was less effective than hand-washing, but because of a shortage of surgical masks.
Mr Giam noted that it took a leaked recording of a Minister at a closed-door meeting in February 2020 to reveal that Singapore was rationing masks to save them for healthcare workers.
However, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung clarified to Parliament that the initial advice was due to the lack of understanding of the virus and was based on WHO recommendations.
Singapore has about 2,000 to 3,000 patients afflicted with chronic rare diseases
An estimated 2,000 to 3,000 people are afflicted with chronic rare diseases in Singapore and the Rare Disease Fund (RDF) has supported nine patients, which represents about 0.4% of Singaporeans with rare diseases, since its establishment in 2019.
15% of Singapore’s COVID-19 vaccine stock worth S$140 million expired, Health Minister reveals
Singapore Health Minister Ong Ye Kung announced in Parliament on Tuesday (21 Mar) that approximately 15% of the country’s COVID-19 vaccine doses, valued at S$140 million, have expired. He added that the percentage of expired vaccines is expected to rise to around 25% before stabilizing.
Letter: Ministry of Health should do more to prevent Down Syndrome abortions
Dr Alexis Heng Boon Chin suggests that the Singapore Ministry of Health should seriously consider incorporating and subsidizing such novel AI-based screening technologies within the IVF clinics of public hospitals, to reduce the incidence of Down Syndrome pregnancies in older mothers
Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority approves Pfizer’s PCV20 vaccine for adults over 18
Pfizer’s 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, APEXXNAR, has been approved by the Singapore Health Sciences Authority for adults aged 18 and above, becoming the first 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine to be approved in Southeast Asia.
The vaccine offers protection against invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumonia caused by 20 Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes.
Philippine social media users face barrage of bogus medical posts
The Philippines has seen an increase in the spread of bogus and harmful medical posts on social media platforms during the pandemic.
Misinformation on untested cosmetic products and quick-fix treatments for chronic illnesses circulate widely on Facebook, which is the most popular social media site among the country’s 76 million internet users.
The consequences of using unapproved treatments can be dire, with some patients becoming blind after using eye drops bought online instead of consulting a doctor.
