Commentary

As the healthcare needs in Singapore continue to evolve, it is essential to address the challenges posed by the rising demand for medical services and the shifting demographics of the population. Traditionally, the focus of healthcare delivery in South East Asia has been on tertiary hospitals. However, with the emergence of a super-aged population, where 21% of the population is above the age of 65, the healthcare system is being tested in terms of quality, access, and affordability.

We’ve heard a lot of news of how patients had to wait hours – even days – to be allocated a bed at Malaysian public hospitals.

By 2026, Singapore will be a “super-aged” society, with 21% of the population aged 65 and above.

Deloitte Singapore Consulting Executive Director, Ashish Mahajan, discusses the potential of gene and cell therapies in Asia Pacific.

Nurses are the backbone of our health system; 27.9 million people across the globe. They are among the many healthcare workers at the frontline who are becoming physically and mentally exhausted with overcrowded hospitals, staff shortages, and a rising death toll.

Endless beaches, large leafy plants, robust tropical weather, and exotic fruits.  Sounds like a luxury travel magazine perched on a bookshelf in the waiting room of a  doctor’s office, right? Where is this magical place being described? There are many possible answers to that question, so it requires a bit more information. You can also add: frenzied large cities with motorbikes jammed at every intersection during rush hour, and eager street vendors selling copious amounts of vegetables, juices, grilled meats, and fish, while children leave school in their obligatory uniforms. Only one part of the world checks all of the boxes for this, and that is Southeast Asia. 

The use of telehealth solutions increased 38-fold during the pandemic, according to research conducted by McKinsey. However, telehealth and telemedicine solutions go far beyond video consultations today, and can provide patients with longitudinal virtual care, connecting them to healthcare professionals based on their needs. But as digital health expands, it is important that healthcare providers design equitable digital health ecosystems that benefit everyone, not just the privileged few. 

Healthcare innovation in Southeast Asia is accelerating at a phenomenal rate, with total healthcare spending expected to increase to US$740b by 2025 from US$425b in 2021. 

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has witnessed significant pressure on hospitals amid a shortage of staff and medical support, not to mention the travel restrictions that have created unprecedented challenges to mobility.

The future of healthcare is digital, and the ongoing pandemic is undoubtedly accelerating this transition.

Singapore's healthcare system, like those of all developed countries, is swamped with data. The challenge - and the opportunity - is to use that data to become a more effective premium healthcare provider. This can be achieved through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI lets medical professionals analyse and derive insights from the huge datasets created by healthcare organisations, a feat that is just not possible for humans.

Over the past few years, teleconsultations have played a growing role in the delivery of healthcare and support services across ASEAN.

Just two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, the healthcare industry across the Asia Pacific region has made leaps and bounds in terms of digital transformation while simultaneously battling with waves of COVID-19 infections, mass testing, and vaccinating the public.

Many hospitals are still facing equipment and bed shortages, but staffing shortages are another serious concern.

Throughout the pandemic, a wave of ransomware attacks disrupted operations in healthcare organisations around the world.

In 2016, the Malaysian government introduced a contract scheme of employment in its effort to rationalise the employment of doctors within the public sector. This scheme basically ensured 2 years of housemanship, followed by 3 years as a medical officer before a decision was made regarding permanent employment.