SPEECH BY MDM RAHAYU MAHZAM, MINISTER OF STATE, MINISTRY OF HEALTH, AT THE SINGAPORE HEALTH INSPIRATIONAL PATIENT & CAREGIVER AWARDS 2025

CEOs and healthcare leaders,

Inspirational awardees,

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

1.              Good afternoon. I am delighted to join you at the Singapore Health Inspirational Patient & Caregiver Awards (IPCA) 2025, where we honour 55 remarkable individuals from all walks of life.

2.              Since 2010, IPCA has recognised the strength, courage and resilience of patients and caregivers facing healthcare challenges, as well as the dedication and compassion of volunteers and patient support groups who work alongside our healthcare teams to support patients and their families. Each awardee's story reflects extraordinary perseverance, courage and selflessness. They offer us invaluable learning experiences and are an inspiration for all of us. Let me share some of these stories.

Journey of Resilience: Our Patients

3.              Ms Ambiga d/o Krishnasamy began dancing Bharatanatyam, a form of Indian classical dance, at the age of 10. However, her life took an unexpected turn in 2013 when she discovered that she had difficulty with her leg movements while dancing. She was soon diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a progressive neurological condition that affects one’s movement and balance. On the day of her diagnosis, she found unexpected inspiration in the words of Tamil actor Rajinikanth: "Miracles do happen”. These words became her beacon of hope, particularly during the stem cell transplant which she had to undergo in 2022, which helped stabilise her condition.

4.              Today, Ambiga continues to perform Bharatanatyam from her wheelchair, using dance as therapy and exercise. She has also written and published a book about her experience entitled 'The Rajini in Me’ to offer a message of hope to fellow MS patients. Ambiga's ability to stay positive, and live a life of gratitude amidst her health challenges truly exemplifies the spirit we celebrate at these awards.

5.              Another awardee, Mrs Yvonne Yee, is a retired teacher in her 70s who embodies the spirit of lifelong service. Since her 30s, Yvonne has dedicated herself to community service as a grassroots volunteer. At Lions Befrienders Active Ageing Centre, she was a participant before stepping up to lead weekly strengthening exercises for fellow seniors. Even while recovering from two surgeries, including a total knee replacement at Outram Community Hospital, she continued to be a beacon of hope and inspiration to fellow patients, encouraging them to participate in art and games as she believes that a positive outlook can brighten one’s recovery journey. Despite her physical limitations, Yvonne maintained regular contact with seniors at Lions Befrienders, motivating them to continue their exercises and maintain their fitness routines even in her absence.

6.              The unwavering commitment to ensuring the well-being of those around her truly sets her apart. Despite her own medical challenges, Yvonne's first thought remained with her seniors and her volunteering work. It is heartening to see Yvonne’s passion for community service driving her own rehabilitation, as she works closely with her therapists to embrace every single exercise that brings her closer to her goal of resuming her active lifestyle.

Journey of Dedication: Our Caregivers

7.              Behind every patient's journey stands a dedicated caregiver, often making silent sacrifices while showing remarkable resilience. The Inspirational Caregiver Awards recognise the individuals who have devoted themselves to caring for their loved ones.

8.              Mdm Josephine Lee's story exemplifies this dedication. For 12 years, she has been the primary caregiver to her grandson, Zachary, who lives with cerebral palsy. His condition causes severe dystonia, a neurological condition characterised by involuntary muscle spasms requiring constant repositioning to prevent discomfort, seizures, and choking risks.

9.              As Zachary grows, so have the challenges in caregiving. Yet Josephine’s dedication has only grown from strength to strength. Josephine manages everything from feeding schedules to medical appointments with meticulous attention, maintaining detailed records of the care she provides. I am heartened to share that Zachary is doing well, which is a testament to Josephine’s unwavering care, love and commitment.

Journey of Service: Our Volunteers

10.           Since the Inspirational Partner (Volunteer) category was introduced last year, we have witnessed how everyday heroes in our community make a profound difference in the lives of patients and their caregivers. Today, we celebrate our awardees whose contributions foster a more compassionate and supportive environment for all.

11.           Mr K Prabu Naidu's path to volunteering began with his own battle against stage 3A colon cancer, where his prognosis indicated a 50% survival rate in 2019. After beating the odds, he channelled his experience into supporting others through the SemiColons Support Group by the Singapore Cancer Society and ColRect (call-rect) Buddies colorectal support group at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, where he initiated the establishment of Patient Education Corners to help newly diagnosed patients navigate their journey in their fight against cancer.

12.           Though not treated at a SingHealth institution, Prabu also actively contributes to the SingHealth Patient Advocacy Network, using his professional facilitation skills to enhance healthcare workshops. What began as his darkest chapter has transformed into a mission of service and hope. Today, he continues to share valuable patient perspectives by working closely with healthcare teams to improve care delivery.

Journey of Support: Our Patient Support Groups

13.           In addition to inspirational individuals, this year’s awards also honour Patient Support Groups responsible for creating vital networks of support for individuals with varied medical conditions. One example is Motor Neurone Disease Association Singapore (MNDaSG) which supports patients with motor neurone disease – a rare, terminal condition where nerves that control muscle movement in one’s brain and spinal cord progressively deteriorate. Through assistance, advocacy, and the use of technology, the group aims to help persons with motor neurone disease live with dignity and enjoy the best possible quality of life together with their families. MNDaSG has built a community that offers practical and emotional assistance through monthly gatherings, house visits, and sharing of experiences through digital platforms.

14.           More recently, the group has developed a comprehensive guidebook that combines medical insights with real-world experiences to inform patients and caregivers. MNDaSG exemplifies how patient support groups bridge crucial gaps in the healthcare journey, offering both practical solutions and emotional support.

Closing

15.           These inspiring stories reflect our broader commitment to building a healthcare system that not only treats illnesses but also builds resilience and the spirit of contribution. The stories we have shared today demonstrate the profound impact of community support in healthcare journeys, and show us that healthcare is not just about medical treatment – it is about building a compassionate ecosystem where patients, caregivers, healthcare workers and volunteers work together to achieve not only better health outcomes but also to strengthen how we support one another as a community. Moving forward, I hope SingHealth will continue strengthening these partnerships and support systems, ensuring that every patient's journey is supported by a robust network of care and understanding.

16.           To our award recipients, your resilience lights the way for others. To our participating institutions, thank you for recognising these remarkable individuals. And to SingHealth, thank you for bringing us together for this meaningful celebration. I wish you all a fulfilling afternoon ahead.