Health and Manpower Ministries reviewing foreign worker medical screenings

The Manpower and Health Ministries are reviewing and identifying ways to improve the process of medical screenings for foreign workers.

Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Manpower Hawazi Daipi revealed this in Parliament today in response to a question from Dr Chia Shi-Lu (Tanjong Pagar GRC) on how robust foreign workers medical screenings are.

Dr Chia said he raised the question in light of MOH's ongoing investigation of two clinics for allegedly certifying foreign workers as medically fit without being physically examined by a doctor.

The Straits Times reported this case in January and understands that the two clinics' capture the lion's share of the market providing medical examinations to foreign workers such as maids and construction workers.

Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said in a written response earlier this week that his ministry is currently investigating the case to establish if there were any lapses in processes.

Mr Gan said : "Appropriate regulatory actions will be taken against the clinics if they are found to have breached the Private Hospital and Medical Clinics Act and relevant licensing conditions."

He was responding to Health GPC chairman Dr Lam Pin Min who asked for an update on the investigations.

Mr Gan added that the Singapore Medical Council may also investigate and take action against the doctors of the two clinics if it is confirmed that they have flouted the council's ethical code and guidelines.