The state of health in Singapore is good by international standards. The infant mortality rate in 1999 stood at 3.2 per 1000 live births while the average life expectancy rate was 77.6 years. Rising standards of living, high standards of education, good housing, safe water supply and sanitation, a high level of medical services and the active promotion of preventive medicine, have all helped to significantly boost the health of Singaporeans. The leading causes of morbidity and mortality are currently the major non-communicable diseases such as cancer, coronary heart diseases, strokes, diabetes, hypertension and injuries. MOH formulates national health policies, co-ordinates the development and planning of the private and public health sectors, as well as regulates health standards.
MOM is responsible for the industrial and occupational health of the workers.
In Singapore, there is a dual system of healthcare delivery. The public system is managed by the Government while the private system is provided by the private hospitals and general practitioners. The healthcare delivery system comprises primary health care provision at private medical practitioners' clinics and outpatient polyclinics, and secondary and tertiary specialist care in the private and public hospitals. This is to enable more integrated and better quality healthcare services through greater co-operation and collaboration among public sector healthcare providers. This system will minimise duplication of services and ensure optimal development of clinical capabilities.