Eric Chua on foster parents’ access to a child’s medical information

The birth parents of children who are taken into care are required to declare their health information and medical history and where necessary, this information is shared with foster parents. Since fostering is a temporary arrangement, foster parents do not have direct access to the foster child’s health records via the HealthHub or Health Buddy apps. This is because access remains tied to the birth parents’ Singpass. However, foster parents are issued an identification letter from the Ministry of Social and Family Development to facilitate communication with healthcare professionals and ensure the child's medical needs are met. Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development Eric Chua said this in response to questions from a Member of the House on Wednesday (Oct 16).