
NUH is world's first hospital to get recognition for greener practices
Singapore's National University Hospital has become the world's first hospital to receive an international certification for greener healthcare. It has been recognised for reducing plastic use, switching to materials safe for the environment and cutting energy use by 40 per cent in operating theatres. Rachel Teng looks at the efforts.
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Independent Singapore
15 hours ago
- Independent Singapore
Filipino nurses and doctors face grim job future, survey warns
MANILA: Notwithstanding the increasing need for healthcare workers, young Filipinos getting into the medical and nursing careers are having a tough time finding a guaranteed, reliable, impartial, and rewarding positions in the country's healthcare system, according to a recent study conducted by researchers from Ateneo de Manila University and the University of the Philippines-Manila. The study underscores a disturbing irony —even as the Philippines is confronted by a serious lack of health professionals, with less than eight doctors per 10,000 people, far below the international standard of 10, the route for fresh graduates is peppered with complications and impediments. More than 127,000 nursing positions remain empty, mostly in the countryside and shorthanded private infirmaries, yet systemic problems keep countless capable professionals from getting into these roles. Researchers talked to dozens of young doctors and nurses, many of whom stated feeling lost and not supported as they entered the workforce. 'I finished my MD from one of the best schools in the country,' said a municipal health officer sent to a far-flung area in the country. 'But when I worked here, it was an entirely different ballgame. We weren't trained to deal with local government, procurement, or even community engagement. I wasn't prepared—but this is the reality of how things work.' See also China denies Uighur academic secretly sentenced to death The study cited a divide between medical training and real-world requirements. Existing medical instruction profoundly accentuates hospital-based care, frequently ignoring the competencies necessary for community-based health work, local government collaboration, and the execution of national health programs. Further complicating the situation are current hiring challenges. Local government units (LGUs) are constrained by budget guidelines that limit expenditure on salaries to just 45% of their yearly budget allocations. This frequently compels a nurse to spin numerous roles – clinical upkeep, public health tasks, even records administration—with no added compensation. 'The 45% cap on personnel services really prevents us from hiring,' acknowledged one provincial health official. 'You'll see a nurse working the ward, then handling public health programs, and still managing admin work.' For fresh graduates, this usually signifies limited job security, provisional contracts, and very few prospects for personal growth and career development. Many are willing to assist in the public sector but are hampered by severe civil service requirements or unappealing employment terms. In the private sector, many facilities can't match government remuneration, producing a talent drain as workers pursue higher salaries overseas. See also China talks up tech prowess in face of US rivalry 'The nurses we lost are our best nurses,' stated one hospital manager. 'It's painful to see the most experienced ones go. We're left with the inexperienced or the nearing-retirement.' Facilities are also having a hard time meeting new requirements under the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law. Some hospital clinics report spending over ₱50,000 just to conform to training and certification benchmarks, only to be refunded with as little as ₱2,000 by government agencies. Regardless of these findings, the researchers claim that a healthcare career is still worth getting into, as long as major changes are carried out. They recommend: Offering scholarships tied to return service agreements; Revamping curricula to emphasise community health and government service; Relaxing restrictive hiring policies; And providing robust support and mentorship for early-career health workers. With the healthcare system strained and future generations of professionals in jeopardy of being driven out before they can make a difference, the study strongly recommends addressing these systemic barriers and investing in the people who power the country's health.


CNA
21 hours ago
- CNA
CNA938 Rewind - Mandatory measles immunity for maids working in households with young kids not fully vaccinated
CNA938 Rewind From September 1, maids working in households with young children who are not fully vaccinated against measles must be immunised against the disease. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman chat with Prof Paul Tambyah, Deputy Chair of the Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme at Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore. They look at the effectiveness of such a move in managing the potential of a measles outbreak in Singapore.


Independent Singapore
a day ago
- Independent Singapore
17-year-old girl rescued from ledge at Punggol carpark and taken to hospital
YT screencapture SINGAPORE: A 17-year-old girl was rescued and apprehended by the authorities after she was found standing on a ledge of a multi-storey carpark in Punggol in the early hours of Tuesday (June 10). The Singapore Police Force confirmed that officers were alerted to the incident at around 2.15am at Block 628 Edgedale Plains. The girl was apprehended under Section 7 of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Act 2008 and was conscious when she was taken to the hospital. Photos shared with Stomp by an eyewitness showed safety netting deployed along the side of the carpark. The witness, who had spotted the emergency operation unfolding from a distance, said: 'If I'm not wrong, it was a teenager.' The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), which received a call for assistance at 2.20am, said a person was seen standing on a ledge when responders arrived at the scene. In response, SCDF deployed two safety life packs and rescue nets as a precaution. See also Ant allegedly found "swimming" in crayfish bee hoon soup Specially trained Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (DART) officers were then activated. Rappelling from a unit above, they successfully reached and secured the girl. She was subsequently conveyed to Sengkang General Hospital by SCDF. Investigations are ongoing. If you or someone you know is struggling with emotional or mental health issues, help is available. Mental health helplines Institute of Mental Health's Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours) Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24-hour CareText via WhatsApp) Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019 Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928 Tinkle Friend (for children): 1800-274-4788 Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1 Women's Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10 a.m to 6 p.m.) Counselling helplines Touchline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252 Touch Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555 Care Corner Counselling Centre: 6353-1180 Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366 We Care Community Services: 3165-8017 Online resources If you are in distress or know someone who needs support, do not hesitate to reach out. You are not alone.