Saturday, September 15, 2012

Singapore - Technology can be used to meet health-care needs – Minister


The Government will innovate and use technology in health-care facilities to meet increased demand and to lower costs.

Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said it is planning for future expansion and building this flexibility into the design of new health-care facilities.

He added that services should be "sensibly co-located" so patients do not have to walk too far when they go for laboratory tests, collection of medication and consultations, reported Channel NewsAsia.

"We want designs which support healing and allow for the introduction of new models of care," said Mr Gan.

He said that technology can also be used to help to lower health-care costs.

Facilities can be designed to make use of natural lighting and ventilation and to leverage on environmentally-friendly features to maximise energy savings.

Mr Gan made these points at the Healthcare Infrastructure Technology and Engineering Conference (HI-TEC) on wednesday.

The two-day conference was organised by MOH Holdings to share best practices.

Meanwhile, at the opening on wednesday of Medical Fair Asia and Medical Manufacturing Asia, Minister of State for Health Amy Khor said that a vibrant medical technology industry is important in helping to meet the needs of Singapore's ageing population and the rising expectations in health care.

The Suntec City fair showcases technology and new products in health care.

Ms Khor said Singapore's medical technology sector has grown significantly in the past decade.

Manufacturing output in 2011 stood at S$4.3 billion - about three times higher than in 2000.

The New Paper
AsiaOne

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