Aljunied GRC Podcast

Introduction by Mdm Cythnia Phua

Question 1: Can the government be more understanding towards lorry drivers who transport sand and stones? Although we have followed guidelines of having lorry covers, spillage is still inevitable as we drive along the roads. I hope Minister will appeal this situation on my behalf.

Question 1 Answer

Question 2: Can Medisave be used to subsidise our stay when we are in old folks home? Especially for those who have kids to support and some of them are retrenched and are unable to foot the bills in the long term. I hope Health minister would consider using Medisave as a suggestion.

Question 2 Answer

Question 3: Medical costs have risen sharply over the years. Some residents wish to know if the Minister is helping to do something about this rapidly rising medical costs and bring down the charges to meet the needs of the elderly. The elderly felt that with their meagre savings and low Medisave funds, they are the most vulnerable as medical facilities and resources may be beyond their means times of need. Many may forgo treatment for serious life threatening illnesses or chronic illnesses when faced with shortage of cash

Question 3 Answer

Question 4: You mentioned recently about people going to Johor if Singaporeans cannot afford to go to the nursing homes in Singapore for the elderly people. The fact is, if these people need to go to Johor, their relatives and their children will not be able to visit them as often as they wish to, and this has caused some concern and unhappiness amongst the people here. Could you please enlighten us?

Question 4 Answer

Question 5: In view of the economic recession, can the Government consider a subsidy for student orthodontics (braces)?

Question 5 Answer

Question 6: It was reported recently in the newspapers there are some vacancies and openings in the healthcare sector. This move is welcomed as many people have lost their jobs during the downturn and are looking for employment. Can the Minister enlighten us how many people have been recruited in the healthcare sector so far since the recent recruitment drive from MOH? Any more plans by MOH to recruit more Singaporeans rather than getting foreigners? Does MOH consider giving better incentives for Singaporeans to get them to join the healthcare sector?

Question 6 Answer

Question 7: I heard of a case where a maid was taken seriously ill. Not sure of her actual illness, but she was hospitalized for 4 to 5 days in a C Class ward. The total bill came up to about $10,000. Although the maid had some medical insurance, it was not enough to pay the entire bill. Is it possible for the employer to find any means to help their maid pay the remaining amount? Is it possible to improve the medical insurance coverage for foreign workers or can we consider allowing the employer to use his/her Medisave to a certain limit to let her pay the remaining amount?

Question 7 Answer

Question 8: What is Minister’s personal opinion about the current economic situation in Singapore and when is it expected to recover? Will there be any budget package?

Question 8 Answer

Question 9: Foreigners have feedback that our railway station is old. As this concerns the Malaysian government, it would be ideal if the Minister could speak to the Malaysian authorities to negotiate so that both parties will be able to reach a win-win situation.

Question 9 Answer

Question 10: Recently there were reports about community hospitals raising costs again. This solely affected those from the lower income groups. Are there plans for the Ministry to look into public community hospitals to help this lower income group? A and B wards subsidies are higher and C ward subsidies are much higher. However, there are a certain percentage of these people who cannot afford these types of hospitalizations and medical bills.

Question 10 Answer