Latest news with #DanielYao
Straits Times
20-07-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Forum: Subsidised colorectal cancer screening available with family doctors
Find out what's new on ST website and app. We refer to the letters by Mr Ho Kheng Tiong ( End of free test kit distribution can hurt fight against cancer , July 14) and Mr Daniel Yao ( Miscalculation to end distribution of test kits to detect cancer , July 18). The Ministry of Health (MOH) previously worked with the Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) to distribute subsidised faecal immunochemical test (FIT) kits for colorectal cancer screening. It is a good preventive care initiative, but because residents are left on their own to do the test, they may not approach a doctor to discuss eligibility, interpret the results, and obtain advice on the next steps post-screening. Preventive care screening is most effective when paired with the advice and guidance of a family doctor, as part of a long-term patient-doctor relationship. Hence, MOH has shifted to distributing such FIT kits through family doctors to strengthen preventive care and enable better care continuity under Healthier SG. Family doctors can guide individuals along the screening process, from assessing the individual's risk status to explaining the results and promptly arranging for necessary follow-up tests or specialist referrals, if required. SCS remains a strong partner for the ministry to promote cancer prevention and screening. MOH will continue to work with SCS and other community partners to reach out to residents and improve preventive care. MOH strongly encourages eligible Singaporeans to enrol in Healthier SG and go for regular screening. Eligible Healthier SG enrollees can enjoy full subsidies for the FIT kit, screening consultation, and a follow-up consultation, if required. Ruth Lim (Dr) Director, Disease Policy & Strategy Division Ministry of Health
Straits Times
17-07-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Forum: Miscalculation to end distribution of test kits to detect cancer
I refer to the letter ' Forum: End of free test kit distribution can hurt fight against cancer ' (July 14). I think it is a miscalculated step by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to end community-level distribution of the faecal immunochemical test (FIT) kits by the Singapore Cancer Society (SCS). As a former staff member of SCS, I had first-hand experience witnessing the dedication and tireless efforts that went into promoting and distributing the FIT kits. My role involved recruiting and working alongside volunteers to support the outreach at community spaces such as community clubs, venues that seniors, the key target group, are already comfortable visiting. I still remember a heart-warming encounter with a senior during one of these outreach events. She told me that she had previously collected a FIT kit at a community event and, thanks to that early detection, her life was saved. That moment reaffirmed how critical and impactful such community-led efforts are. Beyond just distribution, these efforts also fostered a strong sense of community ownership and participation. Many volunteers shared how meaningful the experience was for them, knowing they were playing a part in promoting early cancer detection. Now that the FIT kits are only available through Healthier SG, where doctor consultations and screening fees may apply, access becomes more complicated. It's not always easy convincing elderly parents to sign up for Healthier SG or to schedule an appointment, compared with the convenience of picking up a kit at a community event. I say this with some shame, but even I have struggled to get my parents on board since the shift. While I acknowledge that the Government is doing its best to improve population health through the launch of Healthier SG, we must be careful not to lose the momentum built over the years by community-based initiatives. Daniel Yao Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Driverless bus in Sentosa gets green light to run without safety officer in first for S'pore World US strikes destroyed only one of three Iranian nuclear sites, says new report Business 5 things to know about Kuok Hui Kwong, tycoon Robert Kuok's daughter and Shangri-La Asia head honcho Asia Air India probe into Boeing 787 fuel control switches finds no issues Singapore Man charged over manufacturing DIY Kpods at Yishun home; first such case in Singapore Singapore Sex first, then you can sell my flat: Women property agents fend off indecent proposals and harassment Singapore Two women jailed for submitting fake university certificates to MOM for employment passes Singapore Fatal abuse of Myanmar maid in Bishan: Traffic Police officer sentenced to 10 years' jail
