Speech by Mr Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Health, at the Opening Ceremony of World Diabetes Day Singapore 2018, 4 November 2018

Dr Kevin Tan, President of Diabetes Singapore

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

Good morning, I am happy to join you in commemorating World Diabetes Day.

2.        Diabetes is a serious health concern globally and in Singapore. The number of Singapore residents with diabetes is expected to reach one million by 2050 if nothing is done to curb the rising trend. This is why the Government has declared a War on Diabetes in 2016, to rally the nation to fight this disease together.

FAMILY AND DIABETES  

3.         As part of the War on Diabetes, the Government has introduced several measures to better support individuals living with diabetes and to reduce the financial burden on them. Since June this year, individuals with diabetes who require insulin injections and regular monitoring of their blood glucose are able to tap on their MediSave to pay for test strips and lancets under the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP). Under the CDMP, individuals with pre-diabetes can also use their MediSave to pay for consultations, tests and medication, so that they can manage their condition better and prevent progression to diabetes. To help patients better cope with the cost of managing their chronic diseases, including diabetes and pre-diabetes, the MediSave withdrawal limit has also been raised from $400 to $500 this year.

4.     The theme for this year’s World Diabetes Day, “Family and Diabetes”, is a timely reminder of the impact that diabetes has not just on the patient, but also on the family. On one hand, it adds to the financial and caregiving burden on the family. On the other hand, family plays a vital role in fighting and winning this war, such as creating a supportive environment to lead healthier lives together and providing social and emotional support to their loved ones with diabetes.

5.        While each of us has to do our part by taking responsibility for our own health, we also have to look out for our family and loved ones, and support one another in adopting a healthier lifestyle. Every small step matters in making a difference in the prevention or management of diabetes.

6.         Among us today, are individuals, who in their own battle against diabetes, have become a positive influence on their family and community. Diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at the age of 35, Mr Juhari manages his condition in part through an athletic lifestyle, and takes part in multiple marathons each year. The food he takes before his races is customised to ensure he receives enough energy while not elevating his blood sugar levels. Mr Juhari supports his brother and parents, who were diagnosed with diabetes as well, in the proper management of their condition. He also actively shares his experiences in managing his condition with the community. Mr Juhari is also part of the Diabetes Support Group under Diabetes Singapore.

7.    Early detection and timely lifestyle changes can make the difference, especially for at-risk individuals. Ms Smitha who has a family history of diabetes, was informed by her doctor last year that she was at-risk of developing diabetes. Spurred into action, she is now more mindful of what she consumes, and has convinced her family to join her in switching to healthier options such as brown rice and low-fat milk. Ms Smitha and her family have also motivated friends to join them in a Himalayan high altitude trek, which they completed recently. With regular physical activities, Ms Smitha feels healthier and fitter. She now recommends her younger family members and friends to do the Diabetes Risk Assessment and go for regular health screenings and follow-ups so as to arrest any problems early. We hope to see more role models like Mr Juhari and Ms Smitha step up to inspire their family and the community.

BUILDING AN ECOSYSTEM TO SUPPORT A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE

8.       The War on Diabetes remains a whole-of-nation effort. Concerted action from multiple stakeholders is needed to build a conducive environment for all Singaporeans to lead healthier lives.   

9.       We are working to make healthier food and drink options more easily accessible to Singaporean families. As of June this year, more than 6,500 food and beverage stalls across more than 110 hawker centres and 850 coffee shops are offering one or more healthier options in their menu as part of the Health Promotion Board’s (HPB) Heathier Dining Programme. HPB aims to get 40% of all the stalls in hawker centres and coffee shops involved in this programme by 2019.

10.      HPB is also continuing its effort to make active lifestyles the norm amongst Singaporeans, by making exercise and sports convenient and fun for the whole family. For example, HPB’s Active Family Programme provides a suite of family-themed activities such as Archery, Tag Rugby and Nerf Combat. These are held on weekends across the island at various parks, sports centres and the Singapore Sports Hub. The National Steps Challenge, of which Season 4 was just launched about two weeks ago, is another opportunity to bring our families and friends together to stay active.

TASKFORCE ON HEALTH PROMOTION

11.       The War on Diabetes has provided us with a strong foundation to do more and do better in terms of health promotion. Besides improvements in terms of healthier food quality and more physical activity, we need to better integrate, coordinate and scale up efforts to infuse health into every aspect of Singaporeans’ lives.

12.     To achieve this, I have appointed a multi-agency taskforce chaired by Mr Amrin Amin, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Home Affairs, to drive the national transformation of Singapore’s health promotion landscape and nurture a healthier population. The Taskforce will coordinate and synergise efforts across multiple public agencies, and explore ideas that harness the power of community, infrastructure, technology and behavioural insights, to nudge Singaporeans towards adopting a healthy lifestyle.

13.        The Taskforce will focus on three key thrusts – or three ‘E’s – that will contribute towards infusing health into the various aspects of our lives. These are changes to our lived Environment, Empowerment of individuals through technology, and Engagement of our communities with better service delivery and ground programming.  

LEARNING FROM INTERNATIONAL BEST PRACTICES

14.        While we have made progress in fighting the War on Diabetes, we must continue to push on as it is a long journey. We must continue to learn from best practices, evolve new strategies and work with partners to better support Singaporeans and the global community in fighting the diabetes epidemic. 

15.     At the end of this month, MOH will organise the Ministerial Conference on Diabetes to bring together international government leaders, stakeholders, academics and thought leaders to share best practices, experiences and insights with one another. We hope that the Conference would open up new areas of partnerships that will strengthen local and global efforts in creating a supportive environment for individuals to lead lives free from diabetes.

CLOSING

16.    Even as the Government continues to provide support for Singaporeans to lead a healthier lifestyle, we must take responsibility for ourselves and we have to look after ourselves and our loved ones. I hope all of you will continue to pledge your support to the War on Diabetes, and lead the charge among your family and the community. Thank you.