INTEGRATING DEPRESSION AND SUICIDE PREVENTION SCREENINGS INTO PRIMARY CARE VISITS FOR SENIORS

NOTICE PAPER NO. 133

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 15 OCTOBER 2025

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr David Hoe

MP for Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC

Question No. 422

To ask the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) whether there are initiatives to integrate depression and suicide prevention screenings into primary care visits for seniors; and (b) whether such screenings can be made opt-out rather than opt-in.

Answer

1             Internationally, there is insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for depression and suicide in asymptomatic adults. Doctors are trained to follow up on seniors’ presenting medical complaints or symptoms. If there are signs of depression or suicide ideation, they will address accordingly.