Plans to Tackle Transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in Prisons

9 Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) what plans does the Ministry have to tackle the transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in our prisons; and (b) whether the Ministry can ensure that all inmates are vaccinated for Hepatitis B.

The Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Home Affairs (Mr Amrin Amin) (for the Minister for Home Affairs): There are no known instances of inmates contracting HIV, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C while they are in prisons. Prison officers and medical personnel comply strictly with national healthcare standards and protocols when managing inmates. The prison medical service provider also conducts regular health talks for inmates to promote a healthy lifestyle, including education on personal hygiene and not engaging in risky behaviour.

On the Member's question about whether all inmates can be vaccinated for Hepatitis B, MHA takes reference from the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS). Under the NAIS, vaccination for Hepatitis B is not mandatory.

MHA will continue to regularly review the healthcare approach in our prisons through its Medical Advisory Panel.

Mr Speaker: Mr Louis Ng.

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang (Nee Soon): Thank you, Sir. I thank the Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the reply. Could I also just take this chance to ask what the Singapore Prison Service is doing to protect our inmates against COVID-19 as well as the prison officers? As I am aware that in prisons in other countries, there has been an outbreak of COVID-19 and some of the inmates have actually died from it.

Mr Amrin Amin: Our prisons have remained COVID-19 free thus far. The Prison Service has taken precautionary measures to protect our staff and inmates. Prisons is closely monitoring the health and well-being of staff and inmates, and they are regularly reminded on the need to practise good personal hygiene and be socially responsible. All newly admitted inmates are housed separately from the general population and monitored for 14 days with their temperatures taken twice daily.

Since 23 March 2020, inmates who fulfil the MOH case definitions or have chest x-ray findings suggestive of respiratory infection would be tested for COVID-19. Frontline prison officers are issued Personal Protective Equipment, which includes disposable masks and gloves for use when they interact with all new admissions and any suspected case of COVID-19 in the inmate population. Prisons has also implemented compulsory temperature screening for all staff and visitors at all access points into prisons facilities.

From 7 April 2020 to 4 May 2020, Prisons will suspend all programmes involving external partners such as work programmes and family programmes. Essential services such as the bakery, kitchen and laundry will continue. Workshops considered essential services under MTI's guidelines will also continue.

And from 7 April 2020 to 4 May 2020, Prisons will suspend family visits. This covers both face-to-face visits and tele-visits. Visits scheduled on 6 April 2020 will be allowed to continue. In lieu of visits, Prisons will allow inmates to make local phone calls to keep in touch with their families. Overseas phone calls will not be allowed. Inmates can also continue to send letters, including e-letters to their families.

Mr Speaker: Order. End of Question Time. I propose to take a short break now, before the Ministerial Statement. I suspend the Sitting and will take the Chair at 2.00 pm. Order, order.

Sitting accordingly suspended

at 1.53 pm until 2.00 pm.

Sitting resumed at 2.00 pm.

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]