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Ong Ye Kung, the Minister for Health, delved into the intricacies and challenges of the healthcare system, with a special focus on the role of digital health. He emphasised that improving the health of the population is essential to solving many healthcare complexities. However, he also recognised the hurdles and the need for innovative approaches.
Minister Ong addressed the fundamental challenge in healthcare – individual motivation. While people understand the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle, the benefits are often delayed, and they must forego immediate pleasures like steaks, desserts, and cigarettes.
The benefits of a healthier life manifest in the future, making it challenging to incentivise people to make these choices. To tackle this issue, Singapore has embarked on the Healthier SG initiative, investing approximately S$400 million annually to encourage healthier living. This includes free preventive care consultations, health screenings, and vaccinations.
Minister Ong emphasised the importance of embracing technological advances, particularly in the realm of digital health. He acknowledged that technological innovation in healthcare, including new drugs and treatments, can come at a high price. Balancing the benefits of these advancements with their cost is a complex challenge, and Singapore has established a robust system for Health Technology Assessment to address this issue.
Additionally, the government has harnessed the power of digital health applications to catalyse a transformative shift in how Singaporeans engage with their well-being. In an age where technology is an integral part of daily lives, digital health apps have emerged as indispensable tools in the endeavour to motivate and empower individuals on their journeys toward healthier lifestyles.
The utilisation of these digital health apps represents a forward-thinking approach to the healthcare landscape, encapsulating the government’s commitment to embracing modernity and innovative solutions. These applications are not merely a passive response to the needs of the population but a proactive initiative designed to encourage citizens to take charge of their health.
One of the key aspects of these apps is their capacity to make health and fitness an engaging and enjoyable experience. Users can set goals, participate in challenges, and share their achievements with friends and family. This social element not only enhances motivation but also creates a supportive community, fostering a sense of shared purpose in pursuing a healthier lifestyle.
Singapore’s government has recognised the potential of these digital tools as a means to encourage physical activity and promote well-being among its citizens. By offering incentives and rewards through these apps, they align individual motivations with broader public health goals. This approach is in line with the global shift towards preventive healthcare, where emphasis is placed on staying healthy rather than merely treating illnesses.
Moreover, the digital health app ecosystem in Singapore is characterised by diversity, with a range of applications catering to various age groups and health needs. Whether it’s encouraging children to adopt active lifestyles, helping adults manage chronic conditions, or supporting seniors in maintaining their independence, there is an app tailored to each demographic.
Beyond the individual benefits, the utilisation of digital health apps contributes to a broader agenda of creating a healthier nation. As more people engage with these applications, they not only improve their own health but also reduce the overall burden on the healthcare system. Fewer lifestyle-related diseases and health complications mean reduced healthcare costs and a more sustainable healthcare ecosystem.
