‘Inclusive approach’ needed to prepare S’poreans for ageing

SINGAPORE — Not only is it important for healthcare services in Singapore to remain affordable and fiscally sustainable, there must also be a comprehensive approach to caring for seniors, said Health Minister Gan Kim Yong.

He made the point yesterday at a panel discussion on challenges brought about by ageing and the fiscal sustainability for universal health coverage, during which he noted that Singapore was the fastest-ageing country in Asia.

With those aged above 65 making up one in five Singaporean residents by 2030 — marking a three-fold rise over 15 years in the number of seniors — there will be an increased demand for aged-care services as the workforce shrinks. The Government, therefore, has to constantly innovate and improve labour productivity in the delivery of aged-care services, said Mr Gan.

At the same time, it needs a comprehensive approach in caring for seniors, both in designing a healthcare financing system that is fiscally sustainable and preparing Singaporeans for successful ageing, said Mr Gan, who was speaking at the Ministerial Meeting on Universal Health Coverage.

For universal health coverage to be sustainable, there must be a focus on health, rather than healthcare, said Mr Gan.

Citing Hong Kong’s example, where a senior learning academy conducts courses and activities to get the elderly to socialise, the minister said Singapore is studying how to adapt and implement a similar programme to get seniors engaged and socially active.

Mr Gan also noted that even with efforts in getting the nation ready for an ageing population, such as by building more senior-friendly towns, Singaporeans will still fall ill.

For the poor and sick to continue receiving affordable care, healthcare must be provided in a fiscally sustainable and responsible way, said Mr Gan.

Currently, Singaporeans enjoy government subsidies of up to 80 per cent of the total bill in acute public hospital wards and up to 70 per cent at outpatient clinics. Last month, the MediShield Life Scheme Bill was passed to provide Singaporeans with lifetime coverage.

Ultimately, it is critical for the design of universal healthcare coverage to be sustainable, so healthcare costs will not be passed to the next generation, he added.