SINGAPORE: In the upcoming two centuries, Singapore’s national preventive maintenance program Healthier SG will include mental health services, according to Health Minister Ong Ye Kung on Wednesday( Oct 4 ).
As part of the General Practitioners’ ( GPs ) scope of practice under Healthier SG, as we have done for many other chronic diseases,” we will be developing mental health protocols, and incorporating mentally health prevention and support ,” he said in a speech at the Singapore Mental Health Conference.
More than 400 general practitioners ( GPs ) are currently trained to manage mental health cases, and they collaborate with hospitals and community organizations to meet the needs of patients.
According to Mr. Ong, this team will gradually grow over the next few decades.
He continued,” Through Healthier SG, we should strive to assist people in developing their cognitive resilience, handling stress, and seeking beginning assistance when necessary.”
An Interagency Taskforce on Mental Health and Well-being, according to the minister, & nbsp; Founded in 2021 and nbsp; – has created a national plan to & nbsp; ” Tackle the issue coherently and holistically, through the community, schools, and workplaces ,” from both preventive and curative perspectives.
On Thursday, its recommendations may be made public and are currently being finalized. & nbsp;
In his past position as Education Minister, Mr. Ong noted that more individuals were bringing up mental health issues with him.
The younger generation is experiencing a different type of stress and anxiety, he said, even though there haven’t been any war or racial riots.
They are concerned about climate change. & nbsp; They are attempting to comprehend the rapidly evolving earth, the quick pace of life, and the fierce competition both at work and in school. & nbsp;
Social media is a problem for the younger generation as well because it alters how interpersonal relationships are conducted, Mr. Ong continued.
He noted that clinicians in his government were keenly aware of the importance of instantly addressing people’s physical, mental, and psychological health as he concluded his speech.
You lose one, you lose it all, Mr. Ong said, emphasizing the importance of mental health.” All these features of health are interconnected.
” We never over-medicalize our answer.” We must acknowledge that this is primarily a economic issue, even though it has serious health repercussions. “”