Speech by Mr Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Health, at the Opening of the 14th Congress of the Urological Association of Asia

Dr Sun Yinghao, President, Urological Association of Asia
Dr Allen Chiu, Secretary-General, Urological Association of Asia
Dr Li Man Kay, Chairman of 14^th UAA Congress & President-elect of Urological Association of Asia
Dr Edmund Chiong, President, Singapore Urological Association
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen

Good morning

Introduction

1.    It is my pleasure to join you this morning at the opening ceremony of the 14^th Congress of the Urological Association of Asia. It is a privilege for the Singapore Urological Association to host this annual event which has grown from a small meeting of dedicated specialists back in 1990 to a Congress of this size today. The Urological Association of Asia is now the main driver towards better urological care in Asia.

Technological and medical progress in urology

2.    Over the last few decades we have seen the field of urology progress rapidly. Advances in technology have resulted in the development of new treatment modalities such as shockwave lithotripsy, laser treatment, digital endoscopy and robotic surgery.  For example, urology was one of the early adopters of the use of robots in surgery.

3.    Besides new surgical modalities, there are now new medications for conditions such as benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) which occurs more frequently in elderly males. It has been shown that 60% of men over 60 years and 80% of men over 80 years may develop BPH.  An effective management strategy is needed as BPH affects the quality of life of our older male population and if untreated, may lead to complications. Drugs such as alpha blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors can help to decrease the need for surgical intervention. This has led to a decrease in the need for transurethral resection of the prostate over the last twenty years despite the ageing population.

Improving healthy living in Singapore for seniors

4.    Even as we enjoy these advances in urology, we must remember that prevention is the ultimate goal. Many of our patients belong to the elderly group, and urological conditions become more common as a person ages. As you know, Singapore is an ageing society. Presently, we have about 460,000 citizens above the age of 65, constituting about 12% of the population.  This number is expected to increase to 960,000 or 20% of the population in 15 years’ time. It is therefore important that urologists play their part in ensuring the overall health of your patient, and not just manage their urological conditions.

5.    We know that some common urological problems are associated with chronic diseases. For example, conditions like erectile dysfunction can be caused by a variety of non-communicable diseases and risk factors such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity and tobacco use.  In a fortuitous coincidence, many cases of previously undiagnosed coronary heart disease, hypertension and diabetes have been detected because patients first presented with erectile dysfunction.

6.    Doctors play a key role in reminding their patients to go for regular screening for chronic conditions. Patients should also be reminded to go for regular follow-up and to be compliant with medications to reduce the risks of developing complications.

7.    Patients should also be encouraged to reduce their health risks. By exercising more, eating in moderation, and increasing their intake of whole grains and vegetables. Healthier Choice Symbol products which have lower levels of salt and sugar, and a higher proportion of wholegrains, are widely available in our supermarkets. There are many community physical activity programmes such as Sundays at the Park, and mass workouts in the greenery, and I encourage Singaporeans to participate actively in them.

Conclusion

8.    I am happy to note that the Singapore Urological Association has long walked the talk on living a healthy lifestyle. As part of a longstanding tradition, the Association has organised weekly road runs that stretches to up fifteen kilometres since the 1990s. I am also pleased to learn that delegates in this Congress will have sufficient levels of physical activity, as a race around the Marina Bay is part of the programme.

9.    This congress has attracted many urologists, nurses, oncologists and scientists both local and international, to gather here. By learning from one another, collaborating and sharing best practices, we can harness our collective wisdom to address challenges in the field of urology.  This will also allow us to raise the standards of care and explore new approaches to benefit our patients.  On this note, I wish you all a fruitful Congress.

Thank you.