Under half of Singapore residents did health screening in past year: Survey

Article first featured on Code Blue.

Only half of Singapore residents polled in a survey by HMI Medical sought medical attention only when they experienced symptoms, while just 49 per cent underwent a health screening in the past 12 months.

The first Health Usage and Attitude (U&A) Survey by the regional health care group, titled “Towards a Healthier Singapore”, results further substantiate HMI Medical’s strategic brand refresh initiative as part of its ongoing mission to provide comprehensive and accessible health care services in Singapore and the region.

The nationally representative health survey was conducted among 1,000 Singapore residents between 21 to 75 years of age to assess the differences in health usage and attitudes across different gender, ethnic, and age groups.

The U&A Survey also delved into key themes including concerns and desires influencing health care decision-making among Singapore residents, and their aspirations for better support in navigating the health care system more effectively.

Results from the U&A Survey revealed key priorities that align with the key national health initiatives like Healthier SG and Age Well SG which emphasise the importance of empowering citizens to stay healthier for longer as Singapore is rapidly ageing, with one in four aged 65 years and above by 2030.

Understanding Attitudes In Managing Health And Health Care Decision-Making

• In line with the government’s Healthier SG Plan to focus on preventive care, the U&A Survey findings put a spotlight on how 1 in 2 Singapore residents seek medical attention only when they experience the occurrence of symptoms, pointing towards the need for more to take active charge of their health.
• Less than half (49 per cent) of Singapore residents reported to have gone for a standard health checkup and/or screenings in the past 12 months.
• While 95 per cent of the general population are either “somewhat” or “highly involved” in making health care-related decisions, of this group, with 89 per cent of them not just managing their own but the health decisions of their family.

To support Singapore residents in managing their health more proactively and planning their health pathways better, HMI Medical has been growing organically and through strategic mergers and acquisitions to provide more comprehensive health services that cater to the ever-changing health needs of people throughout different stages of their lives.

“Our goal is to empower people to take charge of their health before they fall ill and support them through every stage of life. By focusing on patient-centric care, we’re enhancing connectivity, convenience, and access to high-quality care,” said Chin Wei Jia, Group Chief Executive Officer at HMI Medical.

“This complements the strong effort of  the government and private sector who are already addressing challenges like long wait times and affordability through investments in technology, telemedicine, capacity building, and national initiatives such as Healthier SG to bring health care closer to the community,”.

Stress And Uncertainties While Navigating Health Care Systems Are Faced By Singapore Residents When Seeking Care

• People across age groups feel a lack of control over what actions to take (28 per cent), are overwhelmed or confused by the complexity of the health care system (23 per cent) and are uncertain about which health care provider to choose (23 per cent).
• Other challenges facing Singapore residents include systemic health care issues such as long wait times (55 per cent) and affordability (48 per cent).
• Those who have experienced stress and uncertainty expressed a much stronger desire for additional resources and support – especially towards simplifying administrative procedures and getting personalised assistance.

Emphasis On Public And Private Health Care Systems Coming Together For A Healthier Singapore

• Those above 40 years old expressed the desire for a centralised platform access with 53 per cent seeking more integration and convenience.
• When asked what else can health care providers do/ offer to better integrate public and private health care services and encourage more seamless transitions for patients, majority of Singapore residents prefer receiving referrals tailored to their personal needs (53 per cent) and partnering with public and private health care institutions for seamless referrals.
• The aspiration for greater collaboration among public and private health care providers directly points towards the importance of forging partnerships within the health care ecosystem to foster more harmonised health care management.
• The increasing collaboration between public and private health care providers also helps ensure that preventive care becomes a cornerstone of Singapore’s health care strategy, aligning with the broader goals of Healthier SG, and empowering Singapore residents to take charge of their health proactively.

“There is a high aspiration for greater collaboration among public and private health care providers among Singapore residents – this directly points towards the importance of forging synergistic partnerships with like-minded partners within the health care ecosystem for more harmonised health care management and service delivery,” said Prof Annie Koh, Professor Emeritus of Finance at Lee Kong Chian School of Business at Singapore Management University (SMU) and a member of HMI Medical’s Advisory Board.

“Additionally, a model with health care navigators can provide the psychological support needed by Singapore residents looking for added support and guidance when handling their health care journey.”  

This U&A survey was conducted by Milieu Insight from June to July 2024, with a sample size of 1,000 Singapore Residents. Conducted online through Milieu’s mobile survey panel of respondents, survey participants are nationally representative of Singapore’s population by age, gender and ethnicity.

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