Elective Egg-freezing Storage

NOTICE PAPER NO. 2752

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON OR AFTER 8 MAY 2024

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye

MP for Radin Mas

Question No. 5768

To ask the Minister for Health (a) what measures are put in place to ensure that medical institutions offering elective egg-freezing store the eggs in an optimal temperature; and (b) how often does the Ministry audit these institutions.

Answer

1 Elective egg-freezing are offered only by licensed Assisted Reproduction Services providers. Licensees must comply with the regulatory requirements, including storing the eggs in under optimal temperatures.

2 Licensees are also required to implement measures such as to establish an effective quality management system, provide uninterrupted electrical supply, implement proper monitoring procedures for temperature control, put in place immediate notification, response and investigation protocols for deviations beyond acceptable ranges, and address any inadequacies to prevent future occurrences. Licensed providers are subject to routine inspections once every two years, and additional targeted audits or unannounced inspections.