In a groundbreaking move, Singapore is set to overhaul its mental health services, shifting the focus from hospitals to the community. Dr. Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State for Health, unveiled the ambitious plan on January 31, stating that by 2030, all 1,350 Healthier SG general practitioner (GP) clinics and polyclinics will provide mental health services.
This initiative, initially announced in October 2023, aims to diversify touchpoints and involve more non-healthcare workers in mental health provision. Currently, 450 GPs have undergone training to deliver mental health services, and 19 out of 24 polyclinics already offer such services.
The National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy, launched on October 5, 2023, by the Inter-agency Taskforce on Mental Health and Well-being, underscores Singapore’s commitment to creating an effective mental health ecosystem. The strategy aligns with a broader plan to address the rising prevalence of mental health disorders.
Dr. Janil emphasized three key shifts in the government’s approach. Firstly, the centralization of mental health care delivery will transition from hospitals to community settings, reducing medicalization and institutionalization. Secondly, care services will be broadened to include non-healthcare workers, such as volunteers, colleagues, and friends, through workplace health and peer support programs. Finally, the public is encouraged to understand mental health as a spectrum.
The 2022 National Population Health Survey revealed a surge in poor mental health, rising from 13.4% in 2020 to 17% in 2022. Young people aged 19 to 29 constitute the largest sub-group with poor mental health, at 25.3%.
Dr. Janil acknowledged the increase in anxiety and concerns even among those without diagnosed mental illnesses. The government aims to address three distinct groups – individuals facing normal life stressors, those with mood or behavioral issues not classified as mental illnesses, and those with diagnosed mental illnesses requiring specialized care.
The strategy introduces a tiered-care model, spanning health, social, and education settings, providing support tailored to the severity of each person’s needs. Dr. Janil highlighted the expected outcome of a more extensive network of touchpoints, allowing individuals to seek help where they feel most comfortable, ultimately improving accessibility and reducing stigma.
Dr. Timothy Singham, a clinical psychologist and member of the task force’s implementation committee, emphasized the need for the tiered-care model to streamline referrals and address overwhelming demand in hospital-based mental health services.
Madam Lim Chin Yin, a senior school counselor, welcomed the initiative, acknowledging the high caseloads in hospital-based mental health services. She shared her school’s efforts in launching a preventive health program called Buddy Grove@AMKP, incorporating positive psychology principles to enhance emotional management skills and resilience among at-risk pupils.
The parliamentary motion on mental health, scheduled for the week of February 5, will involve key political leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong, discussing the comprehensive strategy to revolutionize mental health services in Singapore.