Speech by Dr Lam Pin Min at the Launch of Public Health Service (PHS), 8 October 2016

Professor Hooi Shing Chuan, Vice-Dean of Education, NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
Ladies and Gentlemen 

Good morning.

1.        It gives me great pleasure to join you at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine’s 11^th Public Health Service (PHS) event today.

2.        In Singapore, chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancers, heart diseases and stroke contribute close to 50% of our burden of disease^[1]. These diseases are highly influenced by lifestyle risk factors such as obesity, cigarette smoking, and physical inactivity. The good news is that we can minimise and even eliminate such risks by adopting healthier lifestyles.

3.        It is therefore heartening to see so many residents here today, taking the time to do a health check, and learning the right steps to take in achieving good health. 

Prevention is key in the fight against diabetes

4.        One chronic condition which we in Singapore are particularly concerned about is diabetes. Singapore has the second highest diabetes prevalence among developed countries^[2]. One in three Singaporeans have a lifetime risk of developing diabetes. Today, there are about 400,000 Singaporeans with diabetes. By 2050, about one million Singaporeans will have diabetes if nothing is done.

5.        This is a major public health issue, because diabetes, if not well-managed, can cause serious long-term complications, such as blindness, kidney failure, heart attack, stroke and lower limb amputations, which affect the quality of life for patients. Such complications also increase the overall burden on individuals, families and society as a whole.

6.        For this reason, the Ministry of Health declared war on diabetes this year. On this note, I’m heartened to hear that as part of this year’s PHS pre-screening efforts, NUS Medicine students have gone door-to-door to educate our elderly on diabetes and the importance of early screening and treatment.

7.        By reaching out to the elderly, the students are helping them to become more aware on how they can prevent or delay the onset of diabetes, such as through watching their weight, eating healthily and staying active. 

8.        To complement our efforts to prevent diabetes, for those who already have the condition, effective disease management is important to prevent or delay the onset of longer-term complications. The Disease Management Workgroup which I chair, aims to enhance the clinical management of diabetes, to help those suffering from it achieve optimal disease control and maintain a good quality of life. 

Screening and early intervention are important

9.        On top of leading a healthy lifestyle, regular and age-appropriate health screening is also important as it allows for early detection of some cancers and other chronic diseases. Appropriate follow-up and care results in better health outcomes, lowers the risk of serious complications and improves quality of life.

10.       At last year’s PHS, 46% of all screening participants were found to have abnormalities in at least one of the chronic disease indicators. This percentage is high. But screening is only the first step towards better control of your health. What is also crucial is to follow up with your doctor after screening. That is why it is good that NUS Medicine students are once again partnering the National University Health System (NUHS), to provide screening participants with a complimentary review at their partnering family medicine clinic, Frontier Family Medicine Clinic. For the first time this year, the students are also supported by a wider network of NUHS’ GP partners. This means that residents can choose from another 51 GP clinics in the Western region for a free first follow-up consultation, if required.

11.       This year, a new screening component for hearing has been introduced. What this means is that participants aged 60 years and above can receive preliminary tests on site. If abnormalities are detected, the participant will be referred for further screening at the NUH Mobile Hearing Clinic Bus, which will be stationed at Clementi on two separate days during the week just after the PHS screening.

12.       There is also a new exhibition booth on mental health, to raise awareness of dementia and dementia care, as well as to provide caregiver support information. I would encourage you to visit the booth to learn more about this disease. 

Engaging all for a healthier Singapore

13.       I am also pleased to note that more schools have come on board the NUS PHS Young Health Ambassador Programme. The programme was set up in 2015, to inspire young students to promote good eating and lifestyle habits to those around them. 

14.       This year, the programme focuses on educating school children on cancer prevention and screening. We hope that they will in turn share what they have learned with their families, loved ones and friends. Some of the young ambassadors are here today - secondary and JC students from the programme have set up an education booth at the PHS exhibition area today to help educate the public about cancer.

15.       As our youths learn about health conditions to help our elderly, they are also learning how to lead healthy lifestyles themselves. This is in line with the NurtureSG Taskforce, which I co-chair with Minister of State for Education, Dr Janil Puthucheary, and which aims to guide the development of a plan, to enhance health outcomes among our young. 

Conclusion

16.       In closing, I commend the NUS Medicine students for their faithful and sustained health screening efforts over the years.  By encouraging Singaporeans to take charge of their health through your annual screening exercises, you have contributed very meaningfully to the overall national effort to raise awareness on health and well-being.

17.       Thank you, and well done!

^[1] Singapore Burden of Disease Study 2010

^[2] International Diabetes Federation