Healthier SG (HSG) is a national initiative by the Ministry of Health (MOH). It marks a major transformation of healthcare that aims to help all Singaporean residents take steps towards better health and quality of life. It focuses on preventive care and empowering individuals to take charge of their own health with the support of their family doctor and community partners through:

1. Preventive care: It focuses on preventing chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease before they occur. This is achieved through regular health screenings, personalized health plans, and early intervention.

2. Holistic care: Individuals receive care from their trusted family doctor who works in collaboration with community partners. This ensures comprehensive well-being, addressing physical, mental, and social aspects of health.

3. Empowerment: Healthier SG encourages individuals to actively participate in managing their health. This includes access to educational resources, health monitoring tools, and support for adopting healthy lifestyle habits like exercise and healthy eating.

4. All-rounded support: The initiative provides access to various activities and programs tailored to individual needs. This includes physical activities, health promotion programs, and even support for seniors through Active Ageing Centres.

Key features of Healthier SG:

Eligibility: Open to Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents aged 40 and above.

Enrollment: Individuals can enroll with a participating Healthier SG clinic through the HealthHub app or by contacting the MOH hotline.

Personalized Health Plan: Family doctor develops a personalized plan based on your health risks and needs.

Subsidies: Individual receives subsidies for preventive screenings, chronic disease management, and health promotion activities.

https://www.healthiersg.gov.sg/

• Singapore

• Older persons
• Adult
• (1) Individuals with pre-existing chronic conditions (2)Low-income families/individuals (3)Elderly and vulnerable populations

Healthier SG can be directly replicated in other countries. Here is a breakdown of the key elements/concepts:

Replicable elements:
(1) Focus on preventive care: This approach is universally relevant and could benefit healthcare systems everywhere.
(2) Holistic care: Integrating physical, mental, and social aspects of health is a growing trend in healthcare globally.
(3) Individual empowerment: Encouraging self-management and healthy lifestyle choices resonates with current healthcare trends.
(4) Use of technology: Healthier SG's reliance on digital tools for health monitoring and education is increasingly common.

The focus on prevention and early intervention of chronic disease reduces the burden on healthcare systems and promotes long-term health, leading to cost savings and resource optimization.

Reduced healthcare burden:

By preventing or delaying the onset of chronic diseases, Healthier SG potentially reduces the need for expensive future treatments and hospitalizations. This can lead to lower healthcare costs overall, making the system more financially sustainable.
Fewer hospitalizations also mean less resource consumption in the medical sector, including energy, equipment, and pharmaceuticals.

Improved individual well-being:

A healthier population is usually more productive at work and contributes more to the economy. This has long-term benefits for national sustainability and development.
Healthier individuals are also more likely to engage in sustainable practices like eco-friendly transportation and mindful consumption due to increased awareness of their health and the environment.

Healthier SG promotes the values of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in several ways: a. Access to Information and Knowledge: Healthier SG contributes to the WSIS value of access to information and knowledge by providing the public with accurate and timely health information on health platforms and our two mobile apps of HealthHub and Healthy 365. These can include promoting healthy lifestyle choices, disseminating information on healthcare services, and sharing updates on public health initiatives. The National Electronic Health Record (NEHR) system enables secure, nationwide access to medical data for licensed healthcare providers and authorised health personnels. b. Digital Inclusivity: Healthier SG works to ensure that digital technologies and information were accessible to all segments of the population. Health platforms and resources offer information and services in multiple languages, catering to Singapore's diverse population and minimizing language barriers. c. Sustainability. The focus on prevention and early intervention of chronic disease reduces the burden on healthcare systems and promotes long-term health, leading to cost savings and resource optimization. d. Development: Healthier SG supports capacity building in educational resources and training programs to enhance digital literacy in the context of health and wellness. This can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health and leverage digital tools for better healthcare outcome. Healthier SG leverages Information and Communication Technology (ICT) applications to enhance healthcare delivery, such as through telemedicine, digital health records, and mobile health apps. Healthier SG, through its digital health initiatives, embodies the core values of WSIS: a. Breaking down barriers to information and healthcare access. b. Empowering individuals to manage their health and participate actively. c. Promoting sustainable and cost-effective healthcare solutions.