- Lianhe Zaobao (07 July 2011) : Investigation for pre-employment health screening ongoing
- Lianhe Zaobao (22 Jun 2011) : Foreign domestic helper diagnosed with tuberculosis
Investigation for pre-employment health screening ongoing
- Lianhe Zaobao, 07 July 2011
1. In "Foreign domestic helper diagnosed with Tuberculosis" (22 June 2011), Mdm Loh shared that her domestic helper was diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) shortly after she started work with her family, and asked if there were any lapses or loopholes in the pre-employment health screening tests for foreign domestic workers (FDWs).
2. New FDWs have to undergo and pass a medical examination within 14 days after arriving in Singapore, before they are issued with the work permit. The objective of the medical examination is to ensure that the FDW is generally fit to work and do not pose a public health threat. We are currently still investigating the pre-employment health screening test that was done for Mdm Loh's FDW, and we will contact Mdm Loh directly once the investigations are completed.
3. We are sorry to note that Mdm Loh's young children at home had to undergo screening for TB and preventive therapy due to their contact with their FDW. We wish them the best of health.
Foreign domestic helper diagnosed with tuberculosis
- Lianhe Zaobao, 22 June 2011
ZB carried a letter by an employer (Loh Kham Hwa) who shared how she recently employed a foreign domestic helper and later found out that she has TB. The writer noted that she has noticed that the domestic helper was coughing the day she brought her home but her agent assured the family that it was just the common cold and that the domestic helper has passed the health screening.
The writer noted that however, the condition of her domestic helper did not improve as the day passes and an X-ray at a GP clinic revealed that the domestic helper has contracted TB. While they have already sent the domestic helper back to the agency, the writer noted that her two young children, one of whom is a newborn, are also at risk of contracting the disease now and have to undergo tests and X-rays which are harmful to them. She questioned whether the domestic helper has deliberately concealed her condition or whether it was caused by a lapse during the health checks.
The writer also questioned whether there are any loopholes in MOM and MOH's system during the screening of these domestic helpers and she hoped that the relevant authorities can look at this issue seriously.