“If shifting the mind-set from reactive to proactive care can keep just one pre-diabetic from becoming diabetic, it’s a huge benefit to the individual and their family, and to the health system and its stretched resources.” said Patricia Mechael
More than one-third (36%) of the healthcare professionals polled also believe accessible, secure information sharing platforms between healthcare professionals will have the most positive impact on citizens taking care of their health.
But the study indicates that in Singapore, an over-reliance on the government and private sector could be hindering Singaporeans from taking more responsibility for their own health, as 66% of the general population say that they would be more likely to use connected care technology if the government subsidized or paid for it, while 38% of the general population polled also said that they would be more likely to use connected care technology if insurance companies paid for it. These sentiments were reflected across all income levels.
“With chronic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases on the rise in the ASEAN and Pacific region, prevention will be key to alleviating their burden on Singapore’s health system. Greater education has a critical role to play in shifting the mindset of the general population from treatment to prevention. But the government and private sector can only do so much; Singaporeans also need to recognize that this is a very big issue and do more to help themselves. We want to encourage all Singaporeans to do their bit and to take a more active role in living healthier lives,” said Ms. Clarke.
To download the Future Health Index 2017 report in its entirety, please visit https://www.futurehealthindex.com/report/2017/.
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