Mental health support and getting the elderly on a digital platform are among the concerns of MPs regarding the healthcare reform proposal.
During a debate on the Healthier SG strategy, members of Parliament inquired about the number of family physicians and registered nurses required for the plan’s full implementation.
Mental health support and getting the elderly on a digital platform are among the concerns of MPs regarding the healthcare reform proposal.
SINGAPORE: Among the suggestions made during Tuesday’s debate on a parliamentary motion were enhancing access to mental health services and assisting less tech-savvy patients in enrolling in a voluntary national healthcare programme (Oct 4).
The motion, proposed by Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, aims to endorse a White Paper on Singapore’s new health strategy – also known as the Healthier SG initiative – and to serve as the foundation for the transformation of Singapore’s healthcare system.
The new strategy aims to have citizens enroll with a single family doctor who is familiar with their medical history and can better manage their health needs.
It places a greater emphasis on preventive care as Singapore confronts the challenges of an aging population and the spread of chronic disease.
Healthier SG will be open for enrollment to those aged 60 and older in the second half of 2023, as first announced during the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) March Committee of Supply Debate.
In the next two years, it will be made gradually available to those between 40 and 59 years old.
Enhancing accessibility to mental health
Tuesday, 19 Members of Parliament (MPs) from both sides of the chamber spoke on the issue. Several of them inquired how mental health would be incorporated into Singapore’s new healthcare strategy, given the growing recognition of the significance of mental health.
Noting that the White Paper did not include mental health in the first 12 care protocols being rolled out to family doctors, He Ting Ru (WP-Sengkang) stated that doctors and their staff must be adequately trained and supported to treat patients with mental health issues.
In addition, she stated that the referral system must not be overly complicated, and healthcare professionals must have easy access to resources for their patients.
“Not receiving adequate treatment or support while suffering from mental health conditions affects all facets of life, from economic output to physical health,” she explained.
MP Wan Rizal (PAP-Jalan Besar) expressed concern that general practitioners may not be able to manage consultation time for patients requiring mental health support, as this may require more attention.
Check out the nearest clinic near me for the latest update in Healthier SG Strategy. Healthcare United (Toa Payoh clinic) is fully supportive on the digital platform strategy and will help those elderly in Toa Payoh residents for any issue in getting into the platform.
Healthcare United also provide other services such as Health Screening, Telemed, Vaccination, covid-19 Test etc to keep our resident safe and healthy. For more information, please visit the website www.healthcareunited-clinic.com