As Singapore's population grows and ages rapidly, the health issues that we
have to grapple with are also becoming more complex. And as our society
becomes more affluent, Singaporeans' healthcare expectations have also
risen.
Our healthcare policies and solutions cannot remain static. We need to
develop new and innovative paradigms and models of delivering healthcare so that
we continue to ensure quality and affordable care for Singaporeans that is also
sustainable and cost-effective.
One thing is clear � a hospital's responsibility towards its patients cannot
end when the patients are discharged. We must step up efforts to keep
Singaporeans healthy and ensure they are well-taken care of within the
community, away from hospitals as much as possible!
To achieve this vision of patient-centric, seamless and integrated care,
healthcare institutions and service providers in a community must work together
as a team to coordinate their services, from health promotion and disease
prevention, to extending beyond the acute hospital to integrate with primary,
intermediate and long-term care providers.
This is why I am happy to support the official launch of the Eastern Health
Alliance, founded by Changi General Hospital, St. Andrew's Community Hospital,
SingHealth Polyclinics and The Salvation Army Peacehaven Nursing Home. They are
beginning to bring this vision of integrated care to reality.
This is the beginning of a long but worthwhile journey. I look forward to
supporting and celebrating the Eastern Health Alliance's success for Singapore.
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