Maids in Singapore will soon undergo more checks for their six-monthly medical examinations (6ME). According to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the new measures will help detect cases of abuse.
While this new initiative will strengthen support for Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs), it comes with a caveat for the employers.
In a press release posted on their site on Thursday (5 August), MOM says employers will not be present during the medical examinations to give maids a safe environment "to speak up if they need help."
The new measures were made following consultations with the Ministry of Health (MOH), medical practitioners from the College of Family Physicians Singapore (CFPS) and the Singapore Medical Association (SMA), as well as employers and employment agencies.
Maids Recruitment With Medical Examinations: Employers Won't Be Present
From 29 August, doctors will check foreign domestic workers for signs of unexplained injuries in addition to screenings for pregnancy and infectious diseases.
To better detect signs of abuse, the following will be considered:
- Recording of their body mass index (BMI)
Maids will have their weight and height recorded to calculate their BMI. MOM says, "Over time, this will enable doctors to compare against migrant domestic worker's past six-monthly examination records, and pick up signs such as significant weight loss for further investigation." - Checking for suspicious and unexplained injuries
"This is complemented by MOM’s and MOH’s guidelines to doctors on what to look out for, and the follow-up actions to take if worrying signs are detected," states the ministry. - Medical examinations at clinics will be conducted without the presence of employers
Six-monthly examination checks will be conducted without employers or representatives. Home-based examinations will also be disallowed from 29 August. - Compulsory to submit all forms
Regardless of the maid's test results, it will be compulsory to submit all six-monthly medical examination forms to MOM.
Considerations To Employers Of Domestic Workers
In addition to their announcements, MOM said they did not consider increasing the frequency of the medical examination as this would lead to higher costs for employers. The ministry adds that having more check-ups may be perceived as more "inconvenience for both employers and the migrant domestic workers".
Clinics are also expected to review and "may make their own commercial decisions" in adjusting the examination fees. Employers are encouraged to make appointments with clinics before they send workers for examinations.
With these new measures in place, theAsianparent reached out to Ms Tay, who represents a group of 40 employers from Singapore, for thoughts on this new change.
"We feel this is rather one-sided and how can the medical check-up determine real abuse?" questioned Ms Tay. "Many injuries can be self harm, so that should be taken into consideration as well," she pointed.
What are your thoughts on this matter?
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