CLOSING SPEECH BY MADAM RAHAYU MAHZAM, MINISTER OF STATE, MINISTRY OF HEALTH, FOR THE SECOND READING OF THE COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AGENCY BILL

Mr Speaker, I thank Members for their support and for their comments and questions on the Bill.

2. Mr Yip Hong Weng asked about the mechanisms to ensure that CDA will be able to leverage the strengths of MOH, HPB and NCID fully, given that each of these entities already hold deep expertise in various aspects of public health. CDA will harness the collective expertise of MOH, HPB, and NCID, fostering closer teamwork and synergy. We will create an ecosystem where public health practitioners can share knowledge and solve problems together. We will also be strengthening both our capabilities and capacities for communicable diseases prevention, control and response. Under CDA, these talented professionals will have greater opportunities to grow, learn from one another, and raise standards in public health practice.

Establishing an effective CDA

3. We are focused on continuity of operations as Dr Wan Rizal rightly pointed out, as critical public health functions must continue seamlessly.

4. Since the Minister for Health’s announcement of CDA’s formation in March 2023, we have ensured a smooth transition, with our public health operations remaining robust and effective throughout this period of change. In end-2023, we established the interim CDA as a pre-operations structure where critical functions, including disease surveillance, monitoring and investigations, can steadily transit and continue to operate effectively. We have also worked on refining our work processes to enhance critical public health functions and activities.

Employee transition and professional development

5. Next, I will move on to other questions posed by members. Dr Wan Rizal and Mr Yip Hon Weng asked of the measures in place to protect and develop staff. We have been conducting regular engagement sessions with staff and unions to provide information and seek feedback. Throughout this transition, we have consulted with the respective organisations and the Public Service Division.

6. The new CDA Scheme is designed to support the professional growth, career progression and development of CDA’s officers. To grow expertise, CDA will provide structured learning opportunities to equip officers with the relevant competencies to perform their jobs effectively. CDA officers will also be given opportunities to rotate to other roles and functions within CDA, across the wider healthcare or public service family, and even obtain international exposure.

Working with MOH and other agencies

7. Dr Wan Rizal, Mr Yip Hong Weng and Dr Jamus Lim also asked about CDA’s role in multi-agency coordination. As part of the transition, we have ensured that CDA’s work aligns with national policies, and CDA will continue to work closely with MOH and other public agencies.

8. For instance, today we work closely with NEA to mitigate the impact of vector-borne diseases like dengue fever, with SFA on food safety, and with NParks on diseases that may affect both animals and humans. These collaborations are part of a multi-agency cooperation framework termed “One Health”. CDA will continue to work with the One Health agencies as part of a multi-sectoral, integrated approach to prevent, detect, and respond to new and emerging public health threats.

9. Our preparedness and response plans for Disease X, as asked by Dr Jamus Lim, also includes tapping on the whole-of-government agencies. This recognises the wide impact of outbreaks and pandemics and the need for a multi-pronged effort. Working with other ministries and agencies is not just during a crisis, but also during non-crisis periods. This is part of our efforts to enhance Singapore’s preparedness and readiness for pandemics and also the control of endemic diseases.

10. To enhance communication and coordination, CDA will build upon existing platforms and strengthen information exchanges with all stakeholders, including timely sharing of important information with the public.

CDA’s international contributions and collaboration

11. Both Dr Wan Rizal and Mr Yip Hon Weng have asked about CDA’s role in the area of international engagement, including working with organisations such as World Health Organization (WHO) to advance our public health interests. As diseases know no borders, CDA will represent Singapore on infectious diseases at relevant fora to establish strategic collaborations with our bilateral and multilateral counterparts, and to bolster global disease preparedness and response.

12. CDA will also contribute actively to international scientific and surveillance networks to facilitate the exchange of disease information and sharing of expertise. This will allow Singapore to detect and understand novel pathogens faster, which can buy us time to respond. For instance, as the National Focal Point for the WHO’s International Health Regulations, CDA will be the primary point of contact for WHO and other countries on disease outbreak notification and information sharing. Upon establishment, CDA will also be a National Member of the International Association of National Public Health Institutes (IANPHI) to closely engage and collaborate with other national public health institutes worldwide.

Prioritisation of resources and budget, CDA’s accountability

13. On Dr Jamus Lim’s point about expanding to disaster management, the CDA’s aim is to focus on communicable diseases as its expertise is in this area. For national, man-made disasters, MOH and other ministries already have the capabilities to respond to them. CDA will work together with these ministries and agencies on the communicable issues that will arise.

14. Given CDA’s mandate for end-to-end disease prevention, preparation, detection and management, it will need sufficient support for its manpower and resources to achieve its objectives. As a statutory board under MOH, the CDA will be accountable to the Ministry of Health or Minister for Health in the performance of its functions. CDA will also comply with the financial governance requirements under Public Sector (Governance) Act 2018.

Closing

15. Mr Speaker, to conclude, the CDA will play a vital role in strengthening our nation’s preparedness and resilience against future infectious diseases threats. With that, Sir, I beg to move.