Launch of SG50 Healthcare Commemorative Book and the Ministry of Health Long Service Awards

Launch of SG50 Healthcare Commemorative Book and the Ministry of Health Long Service Awards

1          The SG50 Healthcare Commemorative Book – “Caring for our People: 50 Years of Healthcare in Singapore” - was launched today by Minister for Health Mr Gan Kim Yong in conjunction with the Ministry of Health Long Service Awards Ceremony.

2.         Commemorating the advances in Singapore’s public healthcare across 50 years since Independence, the book chronicles the transformation of our healthcare system, from one that was focused on basic issues such as health education, personal hygiene and sanitation, to one where we have gained international recognition as a biomedical research and innovation hub and a leader in the delivery of healthcare services. Over 50 interviews are featured in the book spanning seven chapters.

3.         Key thought leaders and healthcare providers share their personal experiences of their profession and how the Singapore healthcare landscape has transformed. The stories and experiences of patients and volunteers are also captured in this book. Besides paying tribute to the men and women who have built up Singapore’s healthcare system, the SG50 Healthcare Commemorative Book also takes a look at the way forward, in terms of the transformation of care that is needed to meet the healthcare needs of Singaporeans.

4.         On the launch of the book, Minister Gan said, “I hope that the stories in this book will inspire our current and future generations of healthcare professionals to continue working tirelessly to care for our people.”

5.         A total of 187 individuals from various professions and diverse backgrounds were also honoured today with the MOH Long Service Awards for their years of contribution to MOH-appointed boards, councils and committees, of which two have served their 20 years with MOH. The awards were inaugurated in 2009 to express our appreciation to these individuals who volunteer their time and expertise in one or more of the 90 MOH committees. They serve in various advisory roles providing invaluable insights on wide ranging healthcare issues. Awards are given to recognise those who have served in the committees for five years and at every subsequent five-year mark.