NUH powers on for the next lap

Last updated on 3 September 10

More and better healthcare professionals is the main theme of Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong’s speech at the  25th Anniversary Dinner of the National University Hospital (NUH). NUH as the first restructured hospital in Singapore has achieved much in terms of providing quality, affordable clinical care to patients, advancing translational clinical research and educating our future healthcare professionals. NUH is poised to achieve more. Full text of SM GOH’s speech.

In a congratulatory message, Heath Minister Khaw Boon Wan also traces NUH's humble beginnings in 1985, where "rebels" were hired, and new ideas were tested and implemented. Minister also encourages NUH to expand their horizons, while striving to make life better for their patients. View the video message.

Singapore’s Third Medical School

Last updated on 1 September 10

To cater to the growing medical needs of our ageing and growing population, PM Lee announced the setting up of a third medical school at the recent National Day Rally. In partnership with the Imperial College London, and to be established at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), the school will admit its first intake of 50 students in Academic Year 2013.

More details can be found in MOE’s press release: New Medical School to Start in 2013

Press Release: Voluntary Recall of Panvax® Junior H1N1 Vaccine

Last updated on 27 August 10

The Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) would like to update the public on the voluntary recall of Panvax® Junior H1N1 vaccine (CSL Limited) in Singapore with immediate effect. The recall is a precautionary measure taken as a result of the findings by the Australia Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on the decline in the potency of this product in Australia based on ongoing stability tests.
 
However, we wish to assure the public that there are no safety concerns with Panvax® Junior. Parents or caregivers of children who have been vaccinated with this vaccine need not be alarmed. Panvax® Junior vaccine administered previously has adequate potency to induce an immune response.
 
Please see the press release for more information.

Press Release: Update on Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) Situation in Singapore

Last updated on 13 August 10

The number of HFMD cases in Singapore has increased over the past weeks. We have detected an increase in the circulation of Enterovirus 71 (EV71) among HFMD patients here. While HFMD is generally a mild and self-limiting childhood disease, those due to EV71 are usually more severe in nature and can lead to complications and even death.

MOH together with MCYS and MOE is closely monitoring the number of HFMD cases. We need the cooperation of all to ensure that childcare centres and kindergartens exercise high standards of personal and environmental hygiene to prevent cases form escalating and to minimise exposure.

From 13th August, MOH will publish a list of closed childcare centres and kindergartens, and those with prolonged transmission of HFMD. This is to help parents be more aware of the situation and be more alert in watching out for HFMD symptoms in their child.  The list, which will be updated every Wednesday and Friday, is available at the Alert HFMD icon on the right.

Please see press release for more information. Also, watch the video for proper handwashing techniques here.