1. Increasing maternity leave for single mothers
Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) : The Ministry will announce the outcome of its review of support provided to single unwed parents soon.
2. How many women and girls have been detained for their safety?
MSF: The Director of Social Welfare can admit a woman or girl below 21 years old into a place of safety for reasons such as ill treatment or moral danger. Each case will be thoroughly investigated by MSF within a month of placement, and reviewed by an independent Discharge Committee in six months or less.
Over the last five years, a total of 10 women and girls were admitted. 3 were discharged within a month after the investigations. 7 continued their stay mainly because of continued protection concerns and lack of suitable caregivers.
3. Higher subsidies for detection tests for diabetes and cervical cancer
Ministry of Health (MOH): In participating GP clinics, Singaporeans can get screened for chronic diseases (including diabetes) at $10, and cervical cancer at $10.25 for cervical cancer screening. Since 2014, individuals who hold the CHAS or PG card can receive these tests for free. In addition, eligible Singaporeans can receive subsidised cervical cancer and chronic disease screening at the polyclinics. The Ministry will continue to review these subsidies from time to time.
4. Coordinating office to help elders with ElderShield matters like signing up, paying premiums and getting payouts
MOH: All Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents with Medisave accounts are automatically covered under ElderShield at the age of 40, unless they choose to opt-out. For those without Medisave account when they reach 40 years old, the CPF Board will send an invitation letter to them to invite them to open a CPF account. 3 insrers appointed to run the scheme will send annual premium letters, respond to queries and process claims.
MOH will continue to review the processes for ElderShield sign-up, premium payment and claims, including working with other organizations such as the Pioneer Generation Office.
5. Speed counters on heavy vehicles that are allowed to ferry passengers, like those on military vehicles
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA): Speed limiters are installed on goods vehicles with maximum laden weight exceeding 12 tonnes and public service vehicles exceeding 10 tonnes. The Ministry will look into this suggestion.
(Questions and answers have been edited for brevity. For the original text, please refer to the relevant Ministries’ websites.)