4 things to know about Healthier SG

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Healthier SG is Singapore's new preventive care strategy aimed at getting family doctors to help individuals take charge of their health. Insight looks at the benefits as well as some of the unanswered questions in this mega healthcare transformation strategy.

 

SINGAPORE - Healthier SG is a decisive shift in Singapore's healthcare system which emphasises preventive care to keep people healthier. Here's what you should know about the strategy.

 

Pairing one resident with one GP

 

Residents can sign up with a single family doctor, who knows their conditions well and can help them manage their health.

 

The first consultation will be free. 

 

The resident and his doctor will come up with a health plan which will include lifestyle changes and regular check-ups.

 

GPs will receive an annual service fee from the Government for each enrolled resident, which will be tiered based on the resident’s health risk profile and the care required. 

 

Free screenings, vaccinations

 

Residents who enrol in Healthier SG can get free annual check-ups and nationally recommended vaccinations such as flu shots. Screening for the following diseases will be free:

 

- Type 2 diabetes 

 

- Hypertension (high blood pressure)

 

- Hyperlipidaemia (high cholesterol) 

 

- Breast cancer

 

- Cervical cancer 

 

- Colorectal cancer

 

Cheaper medicines

 

Prices of medicines at GP clinics will be lowered to be closer to those at polyclinics to encourage people to stick with a family doctor.

 

This will be done by introducing a new subsidy tier to the Community Health Assist Scheme (Chas) for common chronic disease drugs. Drug price limits will also be set.

 

Patients with certain chronic illnesses will be able to use MediSave to pay the full amount for their treatment, instead of having to co-pay 15 per cent of the bill. 

 

Healthy activities

 

From zumba classes to community gardening, residents can expect more healthful activities organised by the likes of People’s Association and Sport Singapore.

 

Public infrastructure, such as sports facilities, parks and park connectors, will be enhanced to support active lifestyles.

 

The Healthy 365 app - which awards points to users for taking part in physical activities and making healthier food purchases - will be enhanced to include features such as tracking of calorie intake. The points can be exchanged for public transport vouchers and rewards at participating merchants.

 

Source: The Straits Times © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Reproduced with permission.

 

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