The call for a centralised health screening registry underscores a growing consensus in Singapore’s healthcare community: improved access to patient data is essential for enhancing care outcomes. A comprehensive, central system that all general practitioners (GPs) can access would bridge existing gaps and empower healthcare professionals to deliver more informed and timely care.

Currently, GPs under the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) are able to verify their patients’ eligibility for Healthier SG screenings through their Clinic Management Systems or the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) Healthcare Claims Portal. They also have access to the National Electronic Health Record (NEHR), which stores screening results from public healthcare institutions and private GPs participating in Healthier SG.

However, the NEHR does not yet include results from screenings conducted by private clinics not enrolled in Healthier SG. This fragmented flow of information can hinder continuity of care, especially for patients who receive services across multiple providers.

To address this, the Ministry of Health is developing a Health Information Bill. Under this legislation, all healthcare providers, both public and private, will be required to contribute clinical data, including screening test results, to the NEHR. Once implemented, this expansion will significantly improve the completeness and accessibility of patient records.

The move towards integrated health data is not just a technological upgrade; it is a critical step toward a more connected, responsive healthcare system. With comprehensive data at their fingertips, GPs can detect issues earlier, coordinate treatments more effectively and ensure patients receive the right interventions at the right time.

In a rapidly ageing society, where chronic conditions and preventive care are growing concerns, enabling seamless information-sharing is vital. A robust and inclusive data ecosystem will support more proactive, personalised and efficient care for all Singaporeans.

Singapore is committed to ensuring the best health outcomes and quality healthcare for its citizens by embracing cutting-edge technology, digital solutions and innovative platforms. The country is actively working to make health data accessible, secure...