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Straits Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Straits Times
Technology can help efforts to shift healthcare delivery towards the community: Ong Ye Kung
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung interacting with nurses at an event organised by National University Health System to mark Nurses' Day on July 24. SINGAPORE – The use of technologies such as telemedicine and artificial intelligence (AI) can help bolster national initiatives such as Healthier SG and Age Well SG by shifting the delivery of healthcare away from hospitals towards the community, said Health Minister Ong Ye Kung on July 24. Speaking at an event organised by National University Health System (NUHS) to mark Nurses' Day, he said there is a 'strong, ground-up proliferation' of good potential uses of AI in healthcare . These will be implemented 'thoughtfully and judiciously', he added. Technology will allow nurses to carry out their work more productively, said Mr Ong, who is also Coordinating Minister for Social Policies. 'It's impossible for technology to replace the work of a nurse, but it can make your job better,' he added. During the event, NUHS highlighted several examples of new technology it is adopting, such as the Endeavour AI Fall Risk Assessment tool, which uses AI to analyse a patient's medical history, medication list and mobility status to predict their risk of falling. It is expected to be introduced at the National University Hospital later in 2025. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. 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Set to be implemented by end-2025, this system is aimed at enhancing response times to patient needs while reducing the frequency of routine physical rounds by enabling nurses to remotely monitor and interact with multiple patients in real-time through live video feeds. NUHS group chief nurse Catherine Koh said care needs are evolving rapidly as Singapore's population ages and more are living with chronic conditions. 'These changes to transform the roles and competency of nurses help ensure they are supported to practise effectively, with the right tools, education and autonomy to focus on what matters most: delivering quality care,' said Dr Koh. Technology was one of four key thrusts outlined by Mr Ong for Singapore's healthcare agenda in the coming years as the country handles an ageing population with increasing healthcare demands. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Technology was one of four key thrusts outlined by Mr Ong for Singapore's healthcare agenda in the coming years as the country handles an ageing population with increasing healthcare demands. Healthcare manpower must be developed and reskilled amid the sector's changing landscape, with the Government working with healthcare clusters and institutes of higher learning to develop skills pathways for nurses and other professionals. The Republic will also 'deepen and broaden' the implementation of national health strategies such as Healthier SG, Age Well SG and Grow Well SG, the Health Minister said. He noted the authorities are now in the second phase of implementing preventive health initiative Healthier SG, with it being imperative that those enrolled in the scheme go to their general practitioners for follow-ups and check-ins. 'It is important for them to build this health-seeking habit and see their family doctor even though they are not sick. We must build up strong community and environmental support that encourages our residents to lead healthier lifestyles,' he said, adding that they should try to quit smoking and take part in more active physical activities. Meanwhile, as part of healthy-ageing initiative Age Well SG, Mr Ong said active ageing centres (AACs) must expand their programmes and outreach, as well as strengthen their healthcare services via community health posts – touch points for easy access to health services near the homes of seniors. Promising care models are also emerging, Mr Ong said, pointing to the example of the Happy Village @ Mei Ling community space under NUHS' Health District @ Queenstown, which provides health screenings, vaccinations and exercise in the heart of the community. Expanding healthcare infrastructure is also a key priority as healthcare demand rises, with Mr Ong citing as examples the new integrated general and community hospital in Tengah – to be built by the early 2030s – as well as new polyclinics in Yew Tee and Taman Jurong, which will come with 'sufficient qualified manpower and nurses' to operate them. NUHS will expand its manpower with the redevelopment of Alexandra Hospital as well as the new hospital in Tengah, noted NUHS chief executive Yeoh Khay Guan. This additional manpower will allow the opportunity to accelerate transformation efforts to the new model of care, he said at the event. The event, held at the NUHS Tower Block on Kent Ridge Road, recognised the contributions of 160 nurses under the health cluster.
The Star
11-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Johor's race to retain healthcare workers
Homeland heroes: Ling (centre row, second from left) and Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi (third from left) taking photos with nurses during the state-level Nurses' Day here. JOHOR BARU: The issue of Johor healthcare workers moving to Singapore for greener pastures will be brought up to the Health Ministry in a meeting soon, says a state executive councillor. Johor health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon, however, said that the matter is not something new. 'We have been informed that this has been happening in the past several years. 'There are hospitals in Singapore offering very attractive packages to healthcare workers in Johor, and some of them have accepted these offers,' he said at a press conference after the state-level Nurses' Day celebration here yesterday. Ling said this in response to a question from the media about claims on social media that Singapore's Health Ministry is actively recruiting Malaysian healthcare workers with lucrative salaries. 'We will engage with the Health Ministry to address the matter. 'This includes increasing the number of trainees and providing attractive offers and opportunities to our healthcare workers so that they feel appreciated in serving in the government. 'We also hope to instil a sense of heart and soul to care for our homeland, so that together, we can offer our services to the country,' he added. Ling said the discussion with the Health Ministry will also include talks on the replacement of healthcare workers who will be transferred to Hospital Pasir Gudang (HPG), which will be opened soon. 'Some of the staff members will be transferred from existing health facilities in Johor to ensure the hospital can begin operations as scheduled on Aug 1.' Ling said that HPG, which is set to be opened in phases, will need experienced healthcare workers. 'As such, there is a need to bring in healthcare workers from other government hospitals, including Hospital Sultanah Aminah (HSA),' he said, adding that about 40 healthcare workers are expected to be transferred from HSA, one of the busiest hospitals in Johor. On another matter, Ling said that the state government will be having discussions with the Cabinet over the construction of Hospital Sultanah Aminah 2. 'The Health Ministry has come up with a proposal outlining the hospital's needs, such as which departments are required and the number of beds. 'The public-private partnership unit needs to prepare a paper on the implementation method, which will then be submitted to the Cabinet,' he added.
Barnama
16-05-2025
- Health
- Barnama
Nurses The Architects Of Malaysia's Future Healthcare Landscape
GENERAL SIBU, May 16 (Bernama) -- Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has called for stronger support and investment in Malaysia's nursing workforce, describing nurses as the 'architects of the future healthcare landscape". Speaking at the Nurses Night event organised by the Sibu Hospital in conjunction with the Nurses' Day celebration, he urged policymakers to recognise the vital role nurses play in shaping the country's healthcare system. 'They are the future of healthcare, and we must ensure their well-being and professional development are prioritised. We must create an environment where nurses feel valued, empowered and supported with adequate resources and training,' he said. The Dudong state assemblyman also stressed the need to listen to nurses and involve them in healthcare policy-making, noting that their frontline experience gives them unique insights into patient care and systemic challenges. 'Their voices matter, and those in positions of power must hear them,' he said. He also acknowledged the immense pressure nurses faced due to staffing shortages, which have forced many to juggle multiple responsibilities under challenging conditions. 'Your ability to provide optimal patient care, even with limited resources, speaks volumes about your resilience, professionalism and selfless dedication,' he said. Tiong lauded nurses for their unwavering compassion and commitment, noting their impact extends beyond hospitals to the wider community. 'Your work not only affects the individuals you serve but also their families and society at large,' he added.
Borneo Post
16-05-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Nurses are architects of Malaysia's future healthcare, says Tiong
Tiong urges policymakers to recognise the vital role nurses play in shaping the country's healthcare system. – Bernama photo SIBU (May 16): Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has called for stronger support and investment in Malaysia's nursing workforce, describing nurses as the 'architects of the future healthcare landscape'. Speaking at the Nurses Night event organised by the Sibu Hospital in conjunction with the Nurses' Day celebration today, he urged policymakers to recognise the vital role nurses play in shaping the country's healthcare system. 'They are the future of healthcare, and we must ensure their well-being and professional development are prioritised. We must create an environment where nurses feel valued, empowered and supported with adequate resources and training,' he said. The Dudong assemblyman also stressed the need to listen to nurses and involve them in healthcare policy-making, noting that their frontline experience gives them unique insights into patient care and systemic challenges. 'Their voices matter, and those in positions of power must hear them,' he said. He also acknowledged the immense pressure nurses faced due to staffing shortages, which have forced many to juggle multiple responsibilities under challenging conditions. 'Your ability to provide optimal patient care, even with limited resources, speaks volumes about your resilience, professionalism and selfless dedication,' he said. Tiong lauded nurses for their unwavering compassion and commitment, noting their impact extends beyond hospitals to the wider community. 'Your work not only affects the individuals you serve but also their families and society at large,' he added. He also emphasised the economic value of a robust healthcare system supported by healthy citizens. 'Healthy citizens contribute to increased productivity, reduced healthcare costs and a better quality of life for all,' he said. Tiong also encouraged nurses to continue advocating for their profession, stating that their expertise is indispensable in charting the course of Malaysia's healthcare future. – Bernama architect celebration future healthcare nurse Tiong King Sing
Daily Express
15-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Express
120,000 blood pints needed yearly: Hajiji
Published on: Thursday, May 15, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 15, 2025 By: Hayati Dzulkifli Text Size: Shahelmey (middle) chats with a blood donor while accompanied by Dr Maria Suleiman (right) in the event. Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor wants more programmes to be implemented to raise awareness on the importance of donating blood. 'I have been informed that the daily blood requirement for Sabah is 300 units and each year, we need about 110,000 to 120,000 units to meet patients' needs. Advertisement 'However, to date, only 75,000 units are collected each year,' he said at the State-level 2025 Nurses' Day celebrations and blood donation event held at of Queen Elizabeth II Hospital here on Tuesday. His speech was delivered by the Deputy Chief Minister III/Minister of Works, Datuk Ir Shahelmey Yahya. Hajiji said collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the public sector can raise awareness on blood donation and to attract the public to become regular donors. 'Indeed, voluntary blood donatiion helps save patients' lives,' he said. Since the quality of the healthcare system heavily relies on the quality of the nursing workforce, Hajiji said investment in training, welfare, and career development for nurses is crucial to ensure the sustainability of the country's healthcare system. 'In this regard, the State Government always appreciates and supports nurses serving in Sabah who sacrifice their time and energy for the health of the people. 'I hope all nurses will continue to strive to improve the quality of healthcare services, particularly in this state,' he said. The Chief Minister paid tribute to nurses, whom he said are the backbone of the nation's healthcare system. 'The Nurses' Day celebrations is not just a symbolic event but a significant recognition of the group that serves as the backbone of the nation's healthcare system - our nurses. 'In line with this year's theme, 'Our Nurses, Our Future: Caring for Nurses Strengthens the Economy', the role of nurses extends beyond just being 'patient caregivers' in hospitals - they are also catalysts for community wellbeing, health educators, and frontline workers in managing health crises,' he said. Hajiji recalled the extraordinary role of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic a few years ago, not only in terms of treatment and monitoring but also in providing emotional and moral support to patients and their families. 'Some had to be separated from their families, spouses, and children in order to fulfill their responsibilities at that time. 'Indeed, they are unsung heroes who remain strong, resilient and steadfast working under various challenging situations, whether in wards, emergency units, rural health clinics, or disaster areas,' he said. Also present were Sabah Health Department director Dr Maria Suleiman, State Nurses Supervisor head Matron Damica Kunsiong, Queen Elizabeth Hospital II (QEH 11) director Dr Ferro Firdaus bin Ibrahim and QEH II Department of Transfusion Medicine head Dr Shahnaz Irwani Binti Sabri. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
