News Blog for SMEs

The Optometrists and Opticians Bill was passed into law on Tuesday. Optometrists and opticians must now be registered with the Health Ministry before they can practice. Only those with the requisite educational or professional qualifications and experience can be registered.

Sources:

• “New rules for optometrists, opticians to ensure high standards“, ChannelNewsAsia, 17 July 2007

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The Ministry of Health (MOH) has given a S$4.8 million grant to Singapore Health Services (SingHealth) and the National Healthcare Group (NHG). The grant is to co-sponsor SingHealth and NHG staff for overseas training.

More than 200 employees from the two healthcare providers are expected to benefit from this scheme. As the grant is based on co-sponsorship of employees, both healthcare providers will need to invest in the training. SingHealth expects to spend S$4.8m, while NHG is committed to S$4.1 million.

Training will be in areas like surgery for head and neck cancer, care of high-risk pregnancies and addiction treatment

Sources:

• “Healthcare professionals benefit from S$4.8m training disbursement“, Channel NewsAsia, 20 June 2007
• “SingHealth to train medical staff in teams”, The Straits Times, 21 June 2007

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The Ministry of Health (MOH) has tabled changes to be made to the Pharmacists Registration Act.

Under the proposed changes, pharmacists will have to take up undergo 50 hours of training every 2 years — continuing professional education (CPE) — in order to renew their practicing certificates.

Other changes are also being introduced to add more “rigour” to the industry.

The public has till 6 July 2007 to give feedback on the draft bill at http:/www.moh.gov.sg/mohcorp/econsultation.aspx.

Sources:

• “Pharmacists Registration Act to reflect developments in the field“, Channel NewsAsia, 10 June 2007
• “Renew cert? 1,500 pharmacists may head for classes soon”, The Straits Times, 11 June, 2007

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New laws proposed require opticians to take courses and work under supervision

A new bill has been proposed to tighten qualifications for opticians.

Unlike optometrists who need a diploma and a Health Sciences Authority (HSA) licence to prescribe contact lenses, there is currently no training requirement for opticians in Singapore.

Anyone can set up shop and sell spectacles.

The new law will require opticians to pass a course and undergo supervised training for two years.

The Optometrists and Opticians Bill will go through a second reading in parliament next month.

Source: “Move to plug regulatory gap in eyecare sector”, The Straits Times, 7 June 2007

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