Operational Protocols to Safeguard Local Healthcare Workers in Light of Overseas Nipah Virus Infections

26 Dr Choo Pei Ling asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health in light of recent reports of Nipah virus infections overseas (a) what operational protocols are in place to safeguard healthcare workers if a suspected or confirmed case arises in Singapore; (b) whether public hospitals have sufficient isolation capacity and protective equipment; and (c) how workforce training, deployment, and service continuity plans are being strengthened to ensure staff safety during a potential outbreak.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Singapore's public and private hospitals have established infection prevention and control protocols and programmes to detect and manage infectious diseases. These were developed over the years, through the experience of pandemics, such as SARS, H1N1 and COVID-19, and will be applicable against the Nipah virus. They include the provision of isolation facilities and the maintenance of adequate supply of personal protective equipment. In addition, further contingency measures can be activated quickly, under the Infectious Diseases Act, to further protect healthcare staff. The Ministry of Health will continue to review and update our disease outbreak response plans and conduct regular exercises with healthcare institutions.