Speech by Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for Health, at Radiology Asia 2017, 19 May 2017

Dr Andrew Tan, President, Singapore Radiological Society
Dr Chua Eu Tiong, President, College of Radiologists, Singapore
Mr Adrian Sng, General Manager, SingEx Exhibitions
Distinguished speakers and guests
Ladies and gentlemen

1.            A very good morning to all. I am delighted to join you this morning for the opening ceremony of Radiology Asia 2017, held in conjunction with the Singapore Congress of Radiology.

2.            This event will once again bring together local, regional and international experts in the medical imaging field, providing a platform for the exchange of ideas and professional knowledge. I note that this year’s line-up of speakers includes internationally renowned practitioners and thought leaders from across North America, Europe and Asia. To our visitors, I wish you a very warm welcome.

Advancements in radiology

3.            Rapid technological advances over the past few decades have accelerated the growth and evolution of radiology. Today, medical imaging and radiation therapy have become a necessity in the diagnosis and management of various medical problems.

4.            This year’s conference is aptly themed “Bringing state-of-the-art imaging into clinical practice”, highlighting the necessity of applying newer imaging techniques and technologies in order to address growing healthcare needs. With an ageing population and increasing chronic disease burden, demand for healthcare services is expected to rise. This will include demand for radiological services. Radiology plays an indispensable role, for instance, in the care of elderly patients who may have atypical clinical presentations requiring the help of definitive imaging to aid diagnosis. Diagnostic imaging is also employed to detect conditions such as stroke or pulmonary embolism, while radiotherapy is used in the treatment of cancer. With improved techniques and practices, radiology professionals are better supported to provide safer, more efficient, and good quality care.

Value-based radiology

5.            Beyond technological advancements in patient diagnostics and care, there is a need for radiology and the healthcare system as a whole to move towards providing value-based cared to patients. A good healthcare system is no longer defined only by the quality, accessibility and affordability of its services, but also its long-term sustainability. To achieve this, we need to focus on value-based care, which strives to balance the tenets of cost and quality while delivering good outcomes for patients. If we were to think of value as healthcare outcomes achieved per dollar spent, then we can achieve better value for our patients by being more conscious of the outcomes and benefits that our services bring to the patient and the costs of these services, instead of chasing after every new technology or innovation coming on stream.

6.            As integral members of the healthcare team, the radiology community has a key role to play in enabling this shift beyond quality to value. I am glad to note that a forum on value-based imaging has been organised at today’s conference. Indeed, one important way to achieve “value-based radiology” is to advocate for the most appropriate use of radiological services, and to avoid costly investigations which may have little or no meaningful contribution to improving patient outcomes. For example, even though studies in other countries have shown that more expensive, advanced imaging technologies are unnecessary in the initial management of non-specific and uncomplicated low back pain, some doctors continue to order MRIs and CT scans for such patients. In the US, it is estimated that annual Medicare spending on such unnecessary imaging ranged from US $82 million to $226 million.

7.            Radiologists are well placed to share their knowledge with their fellow healthcare colleagues, to develop and encourage the use of the appropriateness criteria for ordering imaging tests across different modalities and clinical indications. I am confident that the radiology community will continue to make significant contributions in our drive towards value-based healthcare in these areas and more. The Ministry of Health will also continue to drive effective and cost-efficient care in Singapore, such as through the Agency for Care Effectiveness, which has started looking into diagnostic technologies. We hope to see that when the relevant guidances and appropriate care guides are published, they will also support the adoption of evidence-based, and value-based imaging practices.

Team-based care

8.             Even as we strive for healthcare that is appropriate and value-for-money, we must ensure that we continue to deliver care that is holistic and person-centred. A team-based approach remains the best way do so. Alongside radiologists, radiographers and radiation therapists have equally important roles to play. To that end, MOH continues to enhance the capabilities and standards of these allied health professions. For example, last year, we commenced registration for diagnostic radiographers and radiation therapists, and launched new degree programmes in diagnostic radiography and radiation therapy at the Singapore Institute of Technology.

9.            I am also glad to know that the organisers have involved colleagues from the nursing and allied health professions to put together today’s conference, and dedicated a track to exchanging ideas and practices in their fields. This is a testament to the value of a multidisciplinary healthcare team in achieving better care for patients. I hope the conference will enable all our healthcare professionals to learn, network and develop professionally across disciplinary boundaries.

Conclusion

10.         On this note, I would like to thank the Singapore Radiological Society and the College of Radiologists Singapore for their professional dedication to advancing radiology in Singapore, and for supporting the skills and knowledge development of our healthcare professionals through events such as this conference. Congratulations to SRS, CRS and SingEx for a successful conference and exhibition, and I wish all of you an enjoyable day ahead.

11.         Thank you.