From September, eligible Singaporeans can
receive basic health screenings for just $5 at clinics under the
Community Health Assist Scheme (Chas).
This is part of the Screen For Life programme to
encourage more Singaporeans to go for screening and post-screening
consultation, said Minister of State for Health Chee Hong Tat
during yesterday's Committee of Supply debate.
Singaporeans aged 40 and above can get themselves
tested for diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure,
obesity, colorectal cancer and cervical cancer. Those aged between
18 and 39 who are at high risk can also get tested.
It is free for Pioneer Generation Singaporeans and
costs $2 for Chas cardholders.
A post-screening consultation is included for those who
test positive.
Mr Chee said: "We want to reduce the drop-off rate of
someone who is tested positive but does not follow up to see a
doctor for post-screening consultation."
With 9,000 workers needed over the next three years,
the Ministry of Health (MOH) will pump in $24 million to attract
more Singaporeans to join the sector.
About half of the 9,000 additional workers needed are
professional, manager, executive and technician level roles such as
nurses, therapists and operations managers.
The money will be spent on various schemes such as the
enhanced Professional Conversion Programme.
MOH will strengthen community mental health care over
the next five years in five ways.
This includes training front-line staff from selected
government agencies such as the Housing Board and Singapore Police
Force to identify and respond to people with mental health issues
in the community.
After a successful pilot that initiates and optimises
kidney protective medication for suitable patients showing early
signs of kidney disease, MOH will extend an enhanced version of the
pilot from April.
It will be implemented progressively at all
polyclinics.
From July, food manufacturers will get help to innovate
and develop products with healthier ingredients with funding under
the Healthier Ingredient Development Scheme.
The aim is to increase the proportion of whole grains
and healthier oils served in restaurants, food courts and hawker
centres.
TNP