Health Risks Arising from Non-prescribed Performance-enhancing Drug Use
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the health risks of non-prescribed performance-enhancing drug (PED) use and the educational initiatives targeting youth in gyms and schools. MP Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked about the specific dangers of substances like steroids and how the effectiveness of awareness programs is measured. Minister Ong Ye Kung responded that these prescription-only drugs can cause severe issues like stroke and organ failure if used without medical supervision. He noted that Anti-Doping Singapore conducts outreach within Institutes of Higher Learning to educate student-athletes on the dangers of PED abuse. Minister Ong Ye Kung added that the government will continue working with these institutions to evaluate the behavioral outcomes and effectiveness of these programmes.
Transcript
85 Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what public-health risks arise from non-prescribed performance-enhancing drug (PED) use such as human growth hormone, clenbuterol, trenbolone, and anabolic steroids, particularly among youths; (b) what targeted education exists within gyms and Institutes of Higher Learning to counter normalisation; and (c) how are these programmes' effectiveness and behavioural outcomes measured.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: Androgenic steroids and human growth hormones are prescription-only medicines which should only be used under medical supervision. These products are not approved for enhancing physical performance and individuals should not be consuming these drugs beyond their prescribed purposes. These drugs can cause serious side effects when used without medical supervision, including stroke, serious heart, liver and kidney problems. Members of the public who encounter the illegal supply or illegitimate use of these drugs should contact the Enforcement Branch of the Health Sciences Authority.
The Anti-Doping Singapore (ADS) is working with Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) to deliver anti-doping education outreach programmes to their student-athletes. The aim is to create greater awareness among the student-athlete population over time on the consequences of abusing performance-enhancing drugs. Following the roll-out of these programmes, ADS will continue to work with IHLs to determine their effectiveness.