Oral Answer to PQ on Progressive Medical Benefits

NOTICE PAPER NO. 1332 OF 2026 FOR THE SITTING ON 6 OCTOBER
QUESTION NO. 3010 FOR ORAL ANSWER

MP: Dr Hamid Razak

To ask the Acting Minister for Manpower whether the Ministry will consider mandating or further encouraging employers to offer progressive medical benefits, such as reimbursement beyond consultation fees or paid sick leave without the need for a medical certificate.

Answer:

1. As part of the ongoing Employment Act review, MOM and our tripartite partners are actively considering measures to improve workplace healthcare practices. This includes studying how to encourage employers to offer progressive healthcare benefits that go beyond baseline statutory requirements, such as reimbursement of medical expenses beyond consultation fees and paid sick leave without requiring a medical certificate.

2. Many employers already offer such benefits today. In 2024, MOM’s Conditions of Employment Survey found that about 30% of the respondents offered paid sick leave without requiring a medical certificate, up from 27% in 2023. Many employers also reimburse employees’ medical expenses beyond consultation fees.

3. Beyond these benefits, MOM strongly encourages employers to support employees in managing their health proactively. This includes giving employees time off for annual HealthierSG check-ins and preventive care appointments, and providing portable medical benefits that allow employees to retain healthcare coverage when they change employers.

4. MOM will continue working with tripartite partners to encourage wider adoption of progressive health practices across all employer segments. We will update on the Employment Act review in due course.