Residents to Enrol with Family Physicians for Lifelong Health Support as Part of ‘Healthier SG’ Initiative
SINGAPORE: Starting in 2023, each resident in Singapore will have the opportunity to register with a family doctor as their primary care provider. The initiative, part of the ‘National Healthier SG’ enrolment programme, was announced by the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Wednesday (March 9).
This programme aims to ensure continuity of care by enabling residents to receive comprehensive healthcare from a family physician, who will manage their health throughout different stages of life and for various health needs.
Coordinated Healthcare Across Three Clusters
The national enrolment programme will be managed by three healthcare clusters, each responsible for a region serving up to 1.5 million residents. These clusters will collaborate with family physicians and other local healthcare providers to strengthen care delivery and support the community’s health needs.
Family physicians will also work alongside polyclinics and hospitals to manage more complex cases. Upon hospital discharge, patients will be referred back to their enrolled family doctor, ensuring smooth transitions and ongoing care. In some cases, family doctors will collaborate with specialists and allied health professionals to provide comprehensive support tailored to the patient’s needs.
Geographical and Personalised Approach
To facilitate access to care, residents will be enrolled based on their location, ensuring that they have a family doctor nearby. Currently, nearly 90% of residents visit a healthcare provider close to home. However, the programme will also allow individuals to choose a family doctor outside their immediate area if they prefer, maintaining flexibility in their healthcare choices. Residents will be able to switch family doctors if they move or if their needs change over time.
Focus on Older Demographics
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung noted that the enrolment programme will likely begin with individuals aged 40 and above, a group at higher risk for chronic health conditions. He emphasized that the programme will be rolled out progressively, with the aim to expand participation over time.
“We hope that Healthier SG can be even more successful than previous initiatives like the National Steps Challenge, which engaged 900,000 participants,” said Ong. He also highlighted the importance of the collaboration between healthcare clusters and family physicians, noting that this integrated approach will help manage complex health conditions and provide seamless care.
This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of Singapore’s healthcare system by ensuring that residents have consistent and coordinated access to medical care throughout their lives.
