Structural reforms in action - Singapore's population health journey and the structural changes at the national and local level
Authors: Tan Clive , Abraham Maria , Chua Sharon , Tan Colin , Lim Angeline , Cheah Jason 
Published: January 2024

Summary: This workshop explores the challenges and opportunities for health systems in transition using Singapore as a case study to explore:

a) How the health system is shifting towards a population approach

b) Change management and implementation approaches required at the macro, meso and micro level

Background: Confronted with the challenges of an ageing population, rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and increasing healthcare costs – Singapore’s Ministry of Health has embarked on “Healthier SG”, an ambitious health transformation strategy which aims to shift the system to a population health approach and place a stronger focus on preventive health. Healthier SG is a multi-year healthcare transformation journey which will be launched in the second half of 2023, with the commencement of a national enrolment programme for residents, to a primary care physician of their choice.  Key enablers such as financing shift towards capitation will also be implemented gradually, along the with building of a strong digital data background and relevant supporting IT architecture. 

Objectives:

1.Introduce Singapore’s “Healthier SG” strategy, a primary care and community-centric movement to bring key stakeholders across public and private healthcare providers, and community care partners, to better enable Singaporeans to take charge of their health.  

2.Share on a range of Singapore’s population health strategies, including child and maternal health, promoting a healthy lifestyle, enhancing personal mental health, and supporting well-being and care planning for our elderly population. 

3.Through the sharing, understand the process and journey for countries and health systems undergoing similar transformation journeys, and be able to describe and discuss the structural changes that are happening at the national and local levels.

4.Discuss and explore the enablers, challenges and opportunities for structural reforms in this case study, using the selected Pillars of Integrated Care as a reference

 

Target Audience: Policy makers, health sector decision makers, health managers, health authorities, health and social care professionals, researchers, academia, health experts, and the staff working on implementation, digitalization and/or evaluation of integrated care.

Session Format:

Time

10 minsIntroduce Singapore’s “Healthier SG” population health strategy and plans

15 minsHighlight the opportunities, challenges and structural changes happening at (a) national, (b) local, and (c) primary care levels

40 minsModerated group discussion, using the selected Pillars of Integrated Care as reference, for 4 groups

10 minsRead back on group discussion and insightsPlenary style read-back by groups, facilitated by group leads

15 minsDiscussion and Round Up, facilitated by workshop lead

Group discussions will be guided and facilitated by the workshop speakers, and attendees will be encouraged to contribute and participate actively in the group discussions. Flipcharts and post-its will be used to facilitate the group discussions.

Key Learnings / Takeaways

1.Gain knowledge about how other countries are progressing with their integrated care, people-centred care and population health journeys

2.Understand and appreciate the importance of the local context and cultural considerations for countries and health systems undergoing transformation and structural changes