At the Singapore Mental Health Conference, SMS Dr Koh Poh Koon outlined new measures aimed at improving the accessibility and quality of mental health support in the country.
Mental health challenges are now a national priority, and Singapore is stepping up efforts to improve access and care for those in need. Speaking at the 8th Singapore Mental Health Conference (SMHC), Dr Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of State for Health and Manpower shared the latest developments in the country’s mental health strategy, with a strong focus on timely support, stigma-free care, and sustainable services.
Citing the National Population Health Survey 2023, Dr Koh noted that 15% of Singaporeans reported poor mental health. Youths aged 18 to 29 were the most affected, and mental health disorders have become one of the top four causes of disease burden in the country.
This growing concern has been shaped by economic uncertainty, social media use, and the ongoing pressures of a fast-paced, competitive society, and the lingering effects of COVID-19.
Building a more connected mental health system
Singapore’s vision is to create a mental health system that is accessible, high-quality, and free from stigma. To this point, Dr Koh emphasised the importance of recognising mental health as dynamic and multifaceted, with effects that extend to families, colleagues and caregivers.
To achieve this vision, the approach must be two-fold: solutions that address systemic issues and interventions tailored to individual needs. There is also a need to strengthen community-based care and build a society that is resilient and supportive. This approach, he added, is guided by the National Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, launched in 2023.
Strengthening governance and continuity
One year after the launch of the National Mental Health Office, Singapore has now moved from a temporary inter-agency taskforce to a permanent governance structure. The newly established Steering Committee f...
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