NTUC backs Health Information Bill, stresses strong safeguards to protect workers

NTUC has reiterated its support for the Health Information Bill’s objectives of strengthening continuity of care and improving public health outcomes, while stressing that public confidence hinges on robust safeguards, especially for workers. The Bill was passed on 12 January 2026.

Speaking in Parliament during the Bill’s second reading, NTUC’s e2i Director (Stakeholder Management) and Jalan Besar GRC MP Wan Rizal noted that Singaporeans view expanded health data sharing as highly personal.

He said workers worry about who has access to their data, whether consent is valid, and potential issues if breaches occur.

The Health Information Bill will require all licensed healthcare providers, including private clinics, clinical laboratories, radiological services, and retail pharmacy licensees, to contribute selected health information to the National Electronic Health Record (NEHR).

Healthcare providers will also access the NEHR to support care continuity and safeguard patient welfare.

The NEHR is the national database that collects and stores selected health data from providers.

The repository contains important medical history details that healthcare professionals need to make more informed medical decisions and deliver safer, better care.

To ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of health information, the Health Information Bill will establish cybersecurity and data security standards for healthcare providers and Health Information Management Systems.

The Bill is expected to take effect from early 2027.

Why worker trust matters

Mr Wan Rizal stressed that health data directly affects livelihoods.

He said: “For workers, health data does not exist in isolation. It intersects very directly with their livelihoods, with hiring decisions, job retention, access to work opportunities, and sometimes, continued participation in the workforce.”

He added that this includes not only employees, but also self-employed and platform workers, whose job access can be more tenuous.

Mr Wan Rizal strongly supported the Bill’s safeguard prohibiting the use of health data for employment purposes.

“Even the perception that health data could affect employment decisions can discourage workers from seeking timely care, disclosing relevant information to healthcare professionals, or participating fully in national health initiatives like Healthier SG,” he explained.

Preventing discrimination and misuse

The concerns are acute for protected characteristics like disabilities and mental health, which may be misunderstood or stigmatised at work.

Mr Wan Rizal said the Bill’s employment-use safeguard reinforces long-standing Labour Movement principles that personal health conditions should never block fair treatment in the workplace.

He also highlighted workers’ concerns about indirect, or “backdoor” use of health information, such as through fitness-for-work assessments, third-party demands, or other channels that could affect employment.

While the Bill allows limited access for specific medical exams in the public interest, he sought assurance that such exceptions stay defined and do not become general pre-employment screening.

He added that while healthcare providers may override “Access Restriction” in emergencies, the employment-use ban must remain absolute.

In response, Senior Minister of State for Health Tan Kiat How said that the list of statutory medical examinations in the Bill is tightly scoped.

Mr Tan added: "We have no plans to expand this list to include employment-related screenings that are not necessary to protect the public and the individual."

Supporting healthcare workers

Beyond patients and workers, the Bill affects healthcare workers who handle sensitive health data daily.

Mr Wan Rizal emphasised fair accountability, clear role-based access, training, and support.

“Protecting patient data and treating healthcare workers fairly are not competing objectives. They must go hand in hand if the system is to function well,” he said.

Mr Tan said that the Health Ministry has published a set of guidelines to support healthcare professionals who will need to access the NEHR.

He added: "We will continue to work with respective professional bodies to disseminate these guidelines to our healthcare professionals. We will also support professional bodies in ensuring their members' compliance with the Bill."

Building confidence across society

Mr Wan Rizal noted that seniors and caregivers share concerns about privacy, consent, and respect for personal information.

He said trust is the common thread, whether one is a worker, patient, or senior managing long-term care.

He added: “When Singaporeans trust that their health information is handled with care, strong safeguards, and clear boundaries, they are more willing to seek care, share information honestly, and participate fully in our healthcare system.”

With strong safeguards, he believes the Health Information Bill can improve healthcare without harming livelihoods.