Speech by Mr Amrin Amin, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Health, at the Opening Ceremony of the 17th Singapore International Stroke Conference, 5 October 2018

Associate Professor Ng Wai Hoe, Medical Director, National Neuroscience Institute

Distinguished guests 

Ladies and Gentlemen

1.         A very good morning to you. I would like to thank the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI) for inviting me to the opening ceremony of the 17^th Singapore International Stroke Conference.

2.         Stroke is the second leading cause of death globally and the fourth leading cause of death^[1] in Singapore. Stroke is also one of the top contributors of burden of disease in Singapore, in terms of Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs)^[2]. With our ageing population, the numbers will continue to rise. Hence, it is important to reduce the burden of stroke through prevention and optimise recovery.

Stroke prevention to reduce the stroke burden

3.         Prevention is better than cure and all of us can play a part in reducing our risk of stroke. One simple way is to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle by having a balanced diet and exercising regularly. The Health Promotion Board has introduced several initiatives, such as the National Steps Challenge, to encourage Singaporeans to take charge of their health.

4.         In addition to healthy living, I would like to encourage all of us to attend regular health screenings. This would allow significant risk factors for stroke such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes to be identified early, and managed in a timely manner to prevent further complications. The government has enhanced subsidies for the national Screen for Life programme to encourage more Singaporeans to go for evidence-based screening and follow-up at GP clinics under the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS). Eligible Singaporeans can have access to subsidised health screenings at $5 or less, and this includes the first post-screening consultation with a doctor. CHAS cardholders pay $2, while the package is free for our Pioneers.

Spot stroke F.A.S.T.

5.         If stroke occurs, it is crucial for patients to arrive at the hospital as soon as possible to achieve the best outcomes. This gives them the best chance of getting stroke treatments like thrombolysis and endovascular clot retrieval that can reduce the likelihood of severe and permanent damage.

6.         It is thus essential to raise awareness of the importance of early detection in the event of stroke. Since 2016, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has promoted the message to the public on the need to act fast when strokes occur. Today, as I launch the 2018 national stroke campaign, I would like to reinforce this simple but vital message – Acting F.A.S.T. is key: Face, Arms, Speech, Time to call 995.

Close interagency collaboration in managing stroke

7.         When 995 is called, Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) dispatchers would guide the caller on the first responses required, while an SCDF ambulance makes its way to the stroke patient. Prior to the patient’s arrival at the hospital, the Emergency Department and stroke care teams would have been alerted by SCDF paramedics to be on standby to receive and attend to the stroke patient as soon as he arrives. This allows for timely examination, diagnostic investigations as well as treatment.

8.         However, the care chain would be incomplete without supportive post-acute and community care for our stroke patients. Post-stroke rehabilitation is essential as it helps stroke survivors regain their ability to resume their daily activities, and transit home sooner. The healthcare institutions have been working closely with MOH and community partners to provide a seamless rehabilitation journey beyond hospitals to the community. I understand that SingHealth and the Singapore National Stroke Association recently inked a Memorandum of Understanding which would better enable care for stroke patients in the community and at home.

9.         We are also better defining the scope of rehab care services and therapist roles within a multi-disciplinary team to better support the rehab care of patients after their hospitalisation, holistically caring for the patients while working towards a common rehabilitation goal.

10.       Let us continue to work together to provide evidence-based, coordinated, and holistic care for our stroke patients. Together, we can make a difference to the lives of stroke survivors and their families.

11.       I wish all of you an enriching experience.

[1] Principal Causes of Death. Ministry of Health, Singapore (accessed on Dec 2017)

[2] Cerebrovascular diseases are the 4^th leading contributor to burden of disease in 2010. Singapore Burden of Diseases Study 2010. Ministry of Health, Singapore.