Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the mental condition of pregnant women is investigated once patient has mental health issues or shows obvious signs of distress that demand immediate attention. I am informed that over the past three years a total of 117 mothers has been reported to be experiencing severe perinatal mental health issues. With regard to part (b) of the question, my Ministry recognises the impact of perinatal mental health issues on both the mother and child. To support these mothers, various measures are already in place. Mothers suffering from perinatal mental health issues are catered by a multi-disciplinary team, comprising obstetricians and gynaecologists, psychiatrics, clinical psychologists, medical social workers and community psychiatric nurses. The multi-disciplinary team provides assessment treatment and ongoing monitoring during pregnancy and post-delivery. During pregnancy, the maternal treatment is concurrently done by both the obstetrician and psychiatrist. In case there is further management, the mothers are referred to psychiatrists and psychologists for counselling, and these health professionals address the initial phase of anxiety and mental health concern during and after the pregnancy as part of their follow-up. Mothers with severe symptoms are admitted in ward for stabilisation and treatment. Madam Speaker, I am further informed that in case of mothers suffering from severe perinatal mental issues, the new born babies are kept in the nursery for care and feeding under the supervision of trained nurses in Neonatal Intensive Care Units. The mothers are also encouraged to come to the nursery to breastfeed them, and extraction of the mother’s milk is carried for mothers who are unable to breastfeed their babies due to their health conditions.

36 Furthermore, once the mothers are discharged from the hospital, the medical social services assign a trained care giver to carry out home visits so as to assist the mother and other family members in the upbringing of the baby at home. The medical social worker may also liaise with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare on a case-to-case basis. In addition, the new born babies are followed by a paediatrician to ensure optimal care and safety of the baby, and community nurses specialised in psychiatrics also pay visits to the mothers. Madam Speaker, as a caring government, my Ministry remains committed to strengthening perinatal mental health services through early intervention, integrated support and continuous monitoring to ensure the wellness of both the mothers and the babies.

Dr. Aumeer, please!

Thank you, hon. Minister. It is very well-known that postpartum period represents a very difficult time for mothers who have delivered. Sometimes, the services provided at our hospitals are not in line with what is expected to support them. May I request the hon. Minister to consider having a walk-in service well after they are discharged from the hospital, particularly given that we have quite a percentage of women who suffer from mental problems well after having delivered? Thank you.

I take note of this request, but I would like to remind the hon. Member of the limited number of gynaecologists as well as specialists in our medical field. However, in the months to come, probably, we are going to recruit additional specialists for that purpose.

I am sorry, but postpartum would not be gynaecologist. Would it be?

Both gynaecologists and psychiatrists.

Psychiatrists.

I thought it was more there. Okay, thank you. I just have to remind everyone that we have questions which have been withdrawn. B/918 has been withdrawn. PQ B/934 will be replied by hon. Minister of Health and Wellness. So, now, hon. Ms Anquetil!

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