SPEECH BY MR CHAN YENG KIT, PERMANENT SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF HEALTH, AT THE HEALTHCARE HUMANITY AWARDS 2023, ON THURSDAY 12 OCTOBER 2023, 3.10PM

President Tharman Shanmugaratnam

Minister for Health Mr Ong Ye Kung

Award recipients

Distinguished guests

Ladies and gentlemen

 
              We are here to celebrate the first in-person Healthcare Humanity Awards ceremony since the COVID-19 pandemic. I would like to thank Mr President and Minister for gracing this event.

2               My heartiest congratulations to the award recipients, as well as the amazing people and teams who have been nominated for this year's awards.

3               This year's edition, for many of us, holds a very special meaning. Those of us who have gone through the last three and a half years, from early 2020 onwards, know what it means. It recognises individuals and teams in the healthcare sector who have contributed greatly to the fight against COVID-19.

4               I am touched by the sheer number of inspirational stories that I have had the chance to read, of your dedication, selflessness, compassion, resilience, teamwork and courage in your course of work, where you had gone the extra mile without expecting anything in return.

5               Without the efforts of people like our recipients today, I am quite sure the COVID-19 story for Singapore would have turned out very differently.

6               I would also like to extend my gratitude to our panel of judges. They had the difficult task of shortlisting 95 award recipients out of more than 400 very deserving nominations. Thank you for your invaluable time and insightful guidance.

7               Once again, congratulations to all award recipients. On behalf of the healthcare sector, a very big thank you. We are all very proud of you.