FridayOL

Singapore's Healthier SG initiative, launched two years ago, aims to shift the nation's focus from treating illness to preventing it. But how is the programme faring? Andrea Heng and Susan Ng delve into a review of Healthier SG, examining its progress, challenges, and future direction. They speak with Susan Tan, President of the Society of Behavioral Health Singapore, to gain valuable insights into the behavioural aspects of healthcare and the impact of Healthier SG on Singaporeans' health habits.

What is Healthier SG?

At its core, Healthier SG is a national movement designed to empower Singaporeans to take greater ownership of their health. It encourages individuals to partner with a family doctor as their health home and adopt healthier lifestyle choices. The programme hinges on regular health screenings, personalized coaching, and a focus on prevention rather than reactive treatment. The goal is to reduce the burden of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, which are increasingly prevalent in Singapore's ageing population.

Two Years On: Progress and Challenges

The initial two years have seen significant strides. More Singaporeans are signing up with family doctors and participating in health screenings. However, challenges remain. One key hurdle is encouraging sustained behavioural change. While many individuals are motivated to improve their health initially, maintaining these habits over the long term requires ongoing support and engagement.

Susan Tan highlights the crucial role of behavioural science in Healthier SG's success. “Simply telling people to eat healthier or exercise more isn't enough,” she explains. “We need to understand the psychological and social factors that influence their behaviour and tailor interventions accordingly.” This includes addressing barriers like lack of time, motivation, and access to resources.

The Behavioral Health Perspective

The Society of Behavioral Health Singapore plays a vital role in promoting the integration of behavioural science principles into healthcare. They advocate for approaches that are person-centered, culturally sensitive, and evidence-based. This means understanding individual preferences, tailoring interventions to specific needs, and leveraging proven strategies to promote behaviour change.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Healthier SG

As Healthier SG moves into its next phase, several key areas will be crucial for its continued success:

• Strengthening Family Doctor Engagement: Empowering family doctors with the resources and training they need to effectively coach patients on lifestyle modifications.
• Leveraging Technology: Utilizing digital tools and platforms to provide personalized health information, track progress, and offer remote support.
• Addressing Health Equity: Ensuring that all Singaporeans, regardless of their socio-economic background or geographic location, have access to the benefits of Healthier SG.
• Focusing on Prevention: Expanding the range of preventive services offered and promoting early detection of chronic diseases.

Conclusion

Healthier SG represents a bold and ambitious effort to transform Singapore's healthcare landscape. While challenges remain, the programme's potential to improve the health and well-being of Singaporeans is undeniable. By embracing a behavioural health perspective and continuously adapting to evolving needs, Healthier SG can pave the way for a healthier and more resilient nation.