Speech by Minister for Health, Mr Gan Kim Yong, at the Launch of “200 Years of Healthcare in Singapore Exhibition”, 5 January 2015

Ladies & gentlemen,

Teachers and students,

Good morning.

1    I am very pleased to be here with you today for the launch of a mobile exhibition showcasing the history of healthcare in Singapore by the National Heritage Board and the Museum Roundtable.

2    The “200 Years of Healthcare in Singapore” is a mobile exhibition that aims to share with young Singaporeans on how healthcare in Singapore evolved from a rudimentary system during the colonial era, to the present world-renowned public healthcare system.

3    The exhibition also showcases the significant milestones and achievements of the healthcare sector, such as the establishment of Singapore’s first public hospital – the Singapore General Hospital – in 1821, and the successful delivery of Asia’s first “test-tube” baby at Kandang Kerbau Hospital in 1983.

4    The launch of the mobile exhibition today is timely as we celebrate our nation’s 50^th birthday. During Singapore’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, it is important that we take stock of how we got to where we are today and celebrate what we have achieved. We must also recognise many pioneers who have dedicated their lives to the improvement of our healthcare system. That is why I am pleased to note that the mobile exhibition showcases the contributions of our pioneer healthcare institutions, personalities and campaigns toward the building of a healthy nation.

5    Following today’s launch, the mobile exhibition will travel to over 20 schools, public hospitals and other public venues from January to March 2015.

6    On behalf of the National Heritage Board, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the healthcare-related members of the Museum Roundtable, such as Healthzone, The SGH Museum and Woodbridge Museum for supporting and contributing to the mobile exhibition.

7    I would also like to thank healthcare institutions, such as the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine Museum and the Agency for Integrated Care, for contributing photographs and artefacts for the exhibition.

8    I believe that this mobile exhibition will go a long way in deepening Singaporeans’ understanding and appreciation of Singapore’s healthcare history.

9    Finally, I would like to thank all participating schools and public hospitals for hosting this mobile exhibition. Without their support, this exhibition would not be able to travel to different parts of Singapore and reach out to a wider range of our population.

10    Without further ado, I declare this exhibition open.