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Straits Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Straits Times
Technology can help efforts to shift healthcare delivery towards the community: Ong Ye Kung
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung interacting with nurses at an event organised by National University Health System to mark Nurses' Day on July 24. SINGAPORE – The use of technologies such as telemedicine and artificial intelligence (AI) can help bolster national initiatives such as Healthier SG and Age Well SG by shifting the delivery of healthcare away from hospitals towards the community, said Health Minister Ong Ye Kung on July 24. Speaking at an event organised by National University Health System (NUHS) to mark Nurses' Day, he said there is a 'strong, ground-up proliferation' of good potential uses of AI in healthcare . These will be implemented 'thoughtfully and judiciously', he added. Technology will allow nurses to carry out their work more productively, said Mr Ong, who is also Coordinating Minister for Social Policies. 'It's impossible for technology to replace the work of a nurse, but it can make your job better,' he added. During the event, NUHS highlighted several examples of new technology it is adopting, such as the Endeavour AI Fall Risk Assessment tool, which uses AI to analyse a patient's medical history, medication list and mobility status to predict their risk of falling. It is expected to be introduced at the National University Hospital later in 2025. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. 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Set to be implemented by end-2025, this system is aimed at enhancing response times to patient needs while reducing the frequency of routine physical rounds by enabling nurses to remotely monitor and interact with multiple patients in real-time through live video feeds. NUHS group chief nurse Catherine Koh said care needs are evolving rapidly as Singapore's population ages and more are living with chronic conditions. 'These changes to transform the roles and competency of nurses help ensure they are supported to practise effectively, with the right tools, education and autonomy to focus on what matters most: delivering quality care,' said Dr Koh. Technology was one of four key thrusts outlined by Mr Ong for Singapore's healthcare agenda in the coming years as the country handles an ageing population with increasing healthcare demands. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Technology was one of four key thrusts outlined by Mr Ong for Singapore's healthcare agenda in the coming years as the country handles an ageing population with increasing healthcare demands. Healthcare manpower must be developed and reskilled amid the sector's changing landscape, with the Government working with healthcare clusters and institutes of higher learning to develop skills pathways for nurses and other professionals. The Republic will also 'deepen and broaden' the implementation of national health strategies such as Healthier SG, Age Well SG and Grow Well SG, the Health Minister said. He noted the authorities are now in the second phase of implementing preventive health initiative Healthier SG, with it being imperative that those enrolled in the scheme go to their general practitioners for follow-ups and check-ins. 'It is important for them to build this health-seeking habit and see their family doctor even though they are not sick. We must build up strong community and environmental support that encourages our residents to lead healthier lifestyles,' he said, adding that they should try to quit smoking and take part in more active physical activities. Meanwhile, as part of healthy-ageing initiative Age Well SG, Mr Ong said active ageing centres (AACs) must expand their programmes and outreach, as well as strengthen their healthcare services via community health posts – touch points for easy access to health services near the homes of seniors. Promising care models are also emerging, Mr Ong said, pointing to the example of the Happy Village @ Mei Ling community space under NUHS' Health District @ Queenstown, which provides health screenings, vaccinations and exercise in the heart of the community. Expanding healthcare infrastructure is also a key priority as healthcare demand rises, with Mr Ong citing as examples the new integrated general and community hospital in Tengah – to be built by the early 2030s – as well as new polyclinics in Yew Tee and Taman Jurong, which will come with 'sufficient qualified manpower and nurses' to operate them. NUHS will expand its manpower with the redevelopment of Alexandra Hospital as well as the new hospital in Tengah, noted NUHS chief executive Yeoh Khay Guan. This additional manpower will allow the opportunity to accelerate transformation efforts to the new model of care, he said at the event. The event, held at the NUHS Tower Block on Kent Ridge Road, recognised the contributions of 160 nurses under the health cluster.
Straits Times
13-07-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Govt will continue to support families, including growing group of seniors: PM Wong at PCF Family Day
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Prime Minister Lawrence Wong taking a group photo with the attendees at the PCF Family Day on July 13. SINGAPORE – Housewife Jenny Tan and her retiree husband Richard Ng, both in their 70s, feel younger than their age when they try new activities like e-sports and drone soccer at the active ageing centre at the ground floor of their Housing Board block. The PAP Community Foundation (PCF) Sparkle Care in Yew Tee has become their almost-daily haunt since the centre opened in 2022. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on July 13 that PCF has been stepping up in senior care, in line with government efforts to provide more support to this segment of the population and to partner organisations to do so. The Government will continue to support families in Singapore at every stage of life, he said at a PCF Family Day event held at Singapore Expo. Recent initiatives include financial support and parental leave for young parents with newborns, and more help for large families with three or more children. 'But these days, when we talk about family support, it is no longer just about supporting young parents with children. Because these days, our society is getting older,' said PM Wong. With an ageing population, providing family support has to also include seniors and their caregivers, he added. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Government looking at enhancing laws around vaping to tackle issue of drug-laced vapes in Singapore Singapore Why the vape scourge in Singapore concerns everyone Singapore I lost my daughter to Kpod addiction: Father of 19-year-old shares heartbreak and lessons Singapore Organised crime groups pushing drug-laced vapes in Asia including Singapore: UN Singapore From Normal stream to Parliament: 3 Singapore politicians share their journeys Business 29 Jollibean workers get help from MOM, other agencies, over unpaid salaries Asia Why China's high-end hotels are setting up food stalls outside their doors Singapore Geothermal energy present in S'pore, but greater study on costs, stability needed, say experts The authorities have started work on this through nationwide initiatives Healthier SG and Age Well SG, meant to keep seniors active, engaged and healthy for as long as possible, he noted. They are also stepping up care services, such as at long-term residential facilities and at community nodes. 'A lot of this work has just started. There is still much, much more to do, and we will share more of our plans when we are ready,' said PM Wong. He added that the Government will need partners – such as social organisations and agencies like PCF – to also play their part. PCF is a charitable organisation founded by the People's Action Party, which PM Wong leads as its secretary-general. PM Wong noted that PCF is already expanding its capacity to serve more seniors. A previous report said PCF will have 25 eldercare centres – senior care centres and active ageing centres – by 2027. Madam Tan, 74, and Mr Ng, 73, are among more than 10,000 seniors currently served by 13 existing centres. The couple have seen improvements in their general health, such as their posture, and have also made many new friends since becoming active participants at the Sparkle Care in Yew Tee. They came to know of the centre when a staff member approached them at their door. Madam Tan, who used to just take occasional walks in the park with friends for exercise, was intrigued by the karaoke, K-pop dance and Rummy-O sessions. When her husband retired from his job as a taxi driver, he was convinced by her to join in. The pair have since tried out unique activities like drone soccer and are part of an informal group of senior gamers called Yew Tee Gamers. In drone soccer, players pilot drones enclosed in protective cages and score by flying the 'striker' drone through a circular goal. They are currently training for a Counter-Strike 2 competition in October with a seniors-only category. 'We will be learning how to play Street Fighter next, and (my husband) is very excited,' said Madam Tan, in Mandarin. Street Fighter is a popular arcade game that is now available across consoles. In his speech, PM Wong said PCF can play a unique role of fostering intergenerational bonds, as it also runs many kindergartens and childcare centres. With more eldercare centres, PCF will have more opportunities as an operator to bridge generations, he added. The theme of July 13's PCF Family Day event was Bridging Generations, Inspiring our Future. PCF also raises funds to support different causes in the community, he added. The foundation is donating $60,000 to six charitable organisations covering seniors, children, low-income families, single mothers and those in need of mental health support. The organisations are Blossom Seeds, Bright Hill Evergreen Home, The Salvation Army Gracehaven, Food from the Heart, HCSA-SPIN and Club Heal. Each received $10,000. 'Families have been at the heart of our nation-building journey since the very beginning,' said PM Wong. Going forward, Singapore will be embarking on its next phase of nation-building post-SG60, he added. 'In this new phase, we will face new and more complex challenges. But I am confident that we can weather these challenges, and we can emerge stronger together.'
AsiaOne
13-07-2025
- General
- AsiaOne
PCF holds family day event to celebrate SG60, sets new Singapore Book of Records, Singapore News
The PAP Community Foundation (PCF) held their annual family day event at the Singapore Expo today (July 13) in celebration of Singapore's 60th year of independence. Held under the theme Bridging Generations, Inspiring Our Future, the event saw over 4,000 participants in attendance - a mix of seniors, educators and children from PCF's service arms - with 2,025 taking part in the PCF SG60 jigsaw puzzle challenge and setting a new Singapore Book of Records. The record for the largest number of people to complete a jigsaw puzzle was previously held by 1,716 individuals at Ci Yuan Community Centre. PCF Family Day 2025 Chairperson Yeo Wan Ling said the puzzle represents what PCF stands for. "Just like pieces of a puzzle, each of us plays a unique and important role in our community. When we work closely together, we create something stronger, something wholesome," she said during her opening speech. "That is what PCF has been doing across generations, across all these decades, helping families come together in new and meaningful ways, building the Singapore that we know and love today." Guest-of-Honour Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted that family support is "no longer just about supporting young parents with children". He explained: "Our society is getting older. We have many more seniors in our midst. And you can see this around us… When we talk about family support these days, we also have to pay attention to supporting our seniors as well as their care given. "And that's why we started work on this through Healthier SG and Age Well SG - national initiatives to ensure that our seniors stay healthy for as long as possible, keep active, stay engaged and also ensure a good living environment for them to continue to live their golden years with dignity." PM Wong added that in time to come, the public can expect PCF to also have more active-aging and senior care centres and communities across the island. PCF also held parenting conference workshops at the event, and donated $60,000 to charitable organisations across key social sectors: seniors, children, low-income families, single mothers and those in need of mental health support. [[nid:720112]] syarifahsn@ No part of this article can be reproduced without permission from AsiaOne.
Straits Times
04-06-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Forum: Include eye screening in Healthier SG programme
I appreciate Health Minister Ong Ye Kung's renewed focus on integrating Healthier SG and Age Well SG, two vital initiatives that promote preventive health and support ageing in the community (More synergy on the cards for initiatives like Healthier SG, Age Well SG: Ong Ye Kung, June 1). With more than a million residents already enrolled in Healthier SG, now is the time to further strengthen the scope of preventive care by including regular eye screenings under the programme. Vision loss, especially among older adults, can significantly impact quality of life. Eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts and age-related macular degeneration often develop silently and are detected only at an advanced stage. Regular eye screenings – like health screenings for diabetes and hypertension – can help detect these issues early, allowing for timely intervention and reducing long-term healthcare costs. Including eye screenings in Healthier SG would provide a more holistic approach to preventive care and help seniors maintain independence, mobility and confidence as they age. Gabriel Chia More on this Topic Forum: What readers are saying Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
01-06-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
More synergy on the cards for initiatives like Healthier SG, Age Well SG: Ong Ye Kung
Minister of Health Ong Ye Kung (in red) warming up with participants before a walk at the Healthy Living Festival @ North West held at the Turf Club on June 1. ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN More synergy on the cards for initiatives like Healthier SG, Age Well SG: Ong Ye Kung SINGAPORE – In his second term as Health Minister, Mr Ong Ye Kung wants to create greater synergy among national initiatives like Healthier SG and Age Well SG. Healthier SG is a preventive health programme under the Health Ministry (MOH), while Age Well SG, which helps seniors age well in their communities, is led by MOH, the Transport Ministry and the Ministry of National Development. 'Last few years, what we did (was) we rolled out major strategies: Healthier SG, Age Well SG,' Mr Ong said on June 1. 'This term, with me still at MOH, what we really need is to do is to join forces.' Speaking to reporters at a community event organised by the North West District at the Turf Club, he gave one example of how Age Well SG, under which community health posts have been set up at active ageing centres, complement Healthier SG. 'Someone with chronic illness, someone unsure of their health status, can always approach the community health posts,' he said, adding that these health posts are touchpoints which help residents stick to personalised health plans drawn up under Healthier SG, he said. 'The community health posts not just need to proliferate, you need to intensify the kind of services you can deliver,' Mr Ong added. Around nine out of 10 active ageing centres have such health posts, or have one nearby . They are staffed by nurses, and have been set up by the three healthcare clusters in Singapore to attend to patients . When asked if any groups may need more encouragement to get on board with health initiatives, Mr Ong said such needs are unique to individuals. He gave the example of how residents in their 40s and 50s who sought treatment for other ailments at the Woodlands Health Campus were found to have undiagnosed advanced chronic illnesses. 'Through Healthier SG, (we can) discover, detect people with underlying chronic illnesses and then encourage them to develop their health plan and do something about it.' said Mr Ong. Healthier SG has garnered more than a million sign-ups since its launch in July 2023. 'Don't just sign up. Must turn up, and follow up,' Mr Ong told more than 2,000 participants who had signed up for a brisk walking event at the Turf Club, urging them to stick to their health plans. The brisk walk was part of a three-day community sports event called Healthy Living Festival @ North West, that ends on June 1 evening. It also marked the completion of a month-long SG60 Healthier Together Movement by the North West District. The aim was for residents to clock 60,000km through activities such as walking, running, swimming and cycling. Local company Lih Ming Construction pledged $60,000 to support the cause, with the funds used to support needy families. As at June 1, residents had cumulatively clocked 88,502km, exceeding the target. Minister of Health Ong Ye Kung (in red) and North West District Mayor Alex Yam flagging off a walk at the Healthy Living Festival @ North West held at the Turf Club on June 1. ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN The North West District consists of Bukit Panjang SMC and four GRCs – Holland-Bukit Timah, Marsling-Yew Tee, Nee Soon and Sembawang. District Mayor Alex Yam said seniors currently make up around 70 per cent of participants at its community activities, and he wants to attract more younger residents. One regular participant is Mr Terence Teo, 43. Since 2022, he has joined around 30 others at the North West Brisk Walking Club for a 2km neighbourhood walk on Sunday mornings. The IT operations executive said the club has grown from around 20 people when he first joined, to nearly 40 persons today. Most participants are between 50 and 60 years old, with his seven-year-old daughter the youngest member. Mr Teo said he enjoys chatting with other members, adding that the walks are as much about healthy living as they are about getting to know the neighbours. 'These days, a lot of neighbours don't even know each other, until the last day, when they are moving out,' he said. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
