How Singapore is Helping You Stay Healthy As You Aged
Did you know that 1 in 3 adults in Singapore have high cholesterol, 1 in 4 have high blood pressure and 1 in 10 have diabetes? These statistics from the National Population Health Survey 2020 reveal a worrying trend as they are significantly higher than those in the 2017 survey.
Chronic illnesses such as the “3 Highs” of High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, and High Blood Sugar are significant contributors to cardiovascular disease which accounted for approximately one-third of deaths in Singapore from 2009 to 2019. When left untreated, they can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke, which bring a staggering long-term financial impact and adversely affect the quality of life for patients.
The prevalence of these illnesses in Singapore can be attributed to the cultural affinity for rich, often unhealthy foods, as well as a largely sedentary lifestyle with insufficient physical activities.
These health challenges are compounded by Singapore’s rapidly ageing population, brought about by longer life expectancy and fewer children being born. This demographic shift has made Singapore one of the fastest ageing populations in Asia. About 1 in 6 Singaporeans are over 65 years of age in 2020, but this number is expected to increase to 1 in 4 by 2030.
Learn More: "Healthier SG"
Towards A Healthier Lifestyle
As we age, the risk of developing chronic illnesses increases, along with the need for more healthcare. Many Singaporeans fret over healthcare needs and expenses, especially since medical treatment in the country is expensive and can become a significant financial burden. This is particularly true for the elderly who may require extensive hospitalisation, treatment, medication and long-term care.
The saying “prevention is better than cure” holds much truth as it’s easier to maintain good health by focusing on preventing illnesses rather than curing it. This has led the Singapore Government to introduce the Healthier SG initiative to encourage residents to adopt a healthier lifestyle by incorporating a balanced diet, regular exercise and health screenings to prevent conditions such as the “3 Highs”. This initiative strives to empower individuals to take control of their own health and wellbeing, creating a more vibrant and healthier society.
Learn how you can enrol in Healthier SG with St Luke's Community Clinic
Older Singaporeans and permanent residents will be invited to enrol in Healthier SG and sign up with a family physician of their choice who will be the first port of call for all health needs. After enrolling in this initiative, you’ll receive a free face-to-face onboarding consultation with your doctor who will review your health condition, develop a personalised health plan and monitor your progress.
Besides healthcare services, you can also join healthy lifestyle activities such as community programmes through the Health365 app. Pioneer or Merdeka Generation Singaporeans will also receive fully subsidised nationally-recommended screenings and vaccinations at the clinics they enrol with. Such screenings help detect risk factors of chronic diseases early even when there are no symptoms which allows for more effective treatment, fewer complications and better treatment outcomes.
Affordable and Accessible Healthcare
Worried about your healthcare expenses? Don’t be! You and your family can tap on the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS). This government initiative provides subsidies for medical and dental services to ensure that healthcare is accessible and affordable for all.
Located all over the island, CHAS clinics are private general practitioner and dental clinics accredited by the MOH to provide subsidised care to eligible Singaporeans. Residents of Bukit Batok or its surrounding estates can visit St Luke’s Community Clinic (SLCC) – a CHAS clinic offering holistic care through end-to-end services ranging from the Family Physician Clinic, Diabetes Care Services, Wound Clinic, Primary Care Eye Clinic, Dental Clinic and Community Mental Wellness Service in one location.
St Luke’s Community Clinic SLCC is a one-stop Healthier SG registered clinic managed by family physicians who provide holistic patient care. Patients who enrol in Healthier SG at SLCC can minimise the need for multiple trips to several clinics as they will receive dedicated care from a SLCC doctor. From February 2024, patients enrolled under the Healthier SG scheme with SLCC will be qualified to receive MOH-subsidies for selected medications for their chronic conditions, at a rate comparable to polyclinics. In addition, referrals to specialists in restructured hospitals will also be subsidised.
Learn more about St Luke's Community Clinic Today!
Clinics such as SLCC play an important role in Singapore’s healthcare ecosystem as it actively addresses the healthcare needs of its ageing population by providing high-quality healthcare and support.
