Calls for a national strategy to normalize mental health care and improve accessibility
SINGAPORE: The pressing need for improved mental health support, better insurance coverage, and stricter regulation of professionals took center stage during a six-hour parliamentary debate on Tuesday (Feb 6). MPs delivered heartfelt speeches, highlighting personal stories and systemic challenges, as they debated a motion by the Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) for Health to bolster Singapore’s mental health ecosystem.
Addressing the Complexity of Mental Health
One poignant account came from Ms. Mariam Jaafar (PAP-Sembawang), who shared the tragic story of a resident with bipolar disorder who succumbed to suicide after battling addiction and stigma. Her emotional recount underscored the need for a comprehensive approach to tackling mental health issues.
“These stories can be hard to listen to, but they are real and point to the scale and complexity of the challenge,” she said.
The motion called for recognizing mental health as a critical health, social, and economic issue and emphasized a whole-of-nation effort to enhance mental health and well-being.
Strengthening Regulation of Mental Health Professionals
Several MPs expressed concerns about the lack of oversight and accreditation for mental health professionals.
Dr. Wan Rizal (PAP-Jalan Besar) proposed that the future Mental Health Office ensure the quality of training programs and certification for professionals and volunteers. He highlighted the importance of maintaining standards across the tiered care model, which ranges from community-led initiatives to hospital care.
Ms. He Ting Ru (WP-Sengkang) echoed this sentiment, advocating for a regulatory body involving organizations like the Singapore Association for Counselling and the Singapore Psychological Society. Such a body would establish universal standards, ensure ethical practices, and mandate background checks for those working with vulnerable populations, particularly minors.
Enhancing Insurance for Mental Health Conditions
A recurring theme during the debate was the inadequacy of insurance coverage for mental health conditions.
Dr. Tan Wu Meng (PAP-Jurong) described the anxiety faced by those diagnosed with mental health conditions who fear being denied insurance. He called on the Monetary Authority of Singapore to address these gaps and reform the insurance sector, especially for young Singaporeans labeled with diagnoses early in life.
Ms. He suggested that insurers adopt “fair and responsible” practices, requiring them to justify differential treatment with accurate statistical data and make their decisions transparent. She also urged the government to expand MediSave’s scope to cover mental health services in private settings, complementing its existing use for treatments at public institutions like the Institute of Mental Health (IMH).
Prioritizing Mental Health Screening
MPs called for equal emphasis on mental and physical health screenings.
Dr. Wan Rizal suggested integrating mental health assessments into existing health checkups, proposing a “Buy One, Get One Free” model to encourage uptake. He emphasized the importance of early and accessible screenings in schools and workplaces.
Ms. Mariam urged an expansion of mental health services across all polyclinics, not just new ones, to provide consistent support. She also sought clarity on the role of general practitioners under the HealthierSG initiative in conducting mental health screenings and managing referrals.
Breaking the Stigma
Several MPs stressed the importance of normalizing conversations about mental health to combat stigma.
Mr. Xie Yao Quan (PAP-Jurong) shared his own experiences with burnout to illustrate the value of open discussions.
“No amount of government interventions, new structures, or care models will work if we don’t transform as a society,” said Ms. Mariam. She emphasized the need for greater awareness, compassion, and collective action to support those facing mental health challenges.
The debate is set to continue on Wednesday, with more discussions anticipated on implementing a robust national mental health strategy.
