Use of ketamine for management of severe depression

NOTICE PAPER NO. 3382

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON OR AFTER 5 FEBRUARY 2025

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Dr Wan Rizal

MP for Jalan Besar GRC

Question No. 7122

To ask the Minister for Health (a) what steps are being taken to regulate and ensure the safe use of ketamine as a treatment course for severe depression in Singapore; (b) how is the effectiveness of such a treatment being monitored; and (c) what safeguards are in place to prevent any potential misuse of the controlled drug.

NOTICE PAPER NO. 3397

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON OR AFTER 5 FEBRUARY 2025

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Yip Hon Weng

MP for Yio Chu Kang SMC

Question No. 7188

To ask the Minister for Health (a) what evidence supports the efficacy and safety of ketamine as treatment for severe depression compared to other therapies; (b) whether there are plans to monitor long-term outcomes for patients using this treatment; and (c) what regulatory frameworks will be put in place to govern the distribution and use of ketamine for medical purpose while ensuring tight control to prevent diversion for recreational use.

Answer

1               Mr Speaker, may I have your permission to answer questions 16 and 17 on today’s Order Paper?

2               Ketamine in the form of a nasal spray was approved in October 2020 by the Health Sciences Authority. It is to be administered together with other oral anti-depressant therapy for the treatment of depression.

3               Clinical trials have demonstrated that the use of ketamine nasal spray resulted in improvements in symptoms of major depression, with mild side effects and minimal addictive potential. Overall, the benefits of ketamine nasal spray outweighed its risks.

4               There are several safeguards in place to ensure the safe use of Ketamine for severe depression. It is classified as a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations, which means that the product must be kept under lock and key, with stringent records of the product inventory. Further, it can only be supplied to hospitals and clinics providing specialist services for psychiatry and prescribed for use by a registered psychiatrist. It is administered strictly under nursing supervision with resuscitation equipment and doctors on standby. Patients are continuously monitored during and after the treatment for adverse effects before they leave the clinical setting. Specialists also review patients regularly to assess treatment effectiveness.