SPEECH BY PROFESSOR KENNETH MAK, DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF HEALTH, MINISTRY OF HEALTH, AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF ALVERNIA PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH CENTRE

Ms Chan Chia Lin, Chairman, Mount Alvernia Hospital

Dr James Lam, CEO, Mount Alvernia Hospital

Distinguished guests

Ladies and gentlemen

1.             A very good morning to all of you. It is my pleasure to join you for the official opening of Alvernia Psychological Health Centre which was organised in conjunction with World Mental Health Day. Before I carry on with my speech, I want to personally acknowledge and thank Dr Lam for the kind words mentioned earlier. I want to acknowledge that Mount Alvernia Hospital has been a faithful steward of its mission and a very good, strong community partner as well, as we look towards promoting and improving health outcomes and the health of our population in Singapore.

Mental Health as Priority

 2.        Mental health remains a significant priority for Singapore’s healthcare system. The Singapore Mental Health Study conducted in 2016 found that one in seven Singaporeans will experience a mental health issue or disorder in their lifetime, with young adults particularly affected. More recently, the 2024 National Youth Mental Health Study found that about one in three young people aged 15 to 35 years in Singapore reported experiencing severe or extremely severe symptoms of depression, anxiety and/or stress. These findings underscore the importance of expanding our mental health service capacity to meet community needs.

3.      We have seen growing openness in attitudes toward mental health, individuals feel increasingly empowered to seek help and support one another. However, stigma still remains a significant barrier for many. Mental health is integral to our overall well-being, and we must continue to normalise seeking professional help for mental health conditions just as we would for any physical ailment.

World Mental Health Day

4.          Mental health services are a cornerstone to meeting the mental health needs of society and this year's theme, "Access to services – mental health in catastrophes and emergencies," is particularly relevant as recent years have demonstrated how rapidly mental health needs can evolve.

5.      From COVID-19's profound psychological impact on many to emerging mental health issues such as behavioural and substance addictions, mental health needs are rapidly evolving and contributing to new dimensions of current public healthcare challenges.

6.      Today's opening of Alvernia Psychological Health Centre directly advances this global mission by expanding accessible, quality mental health services for our community.

Singapore’s Tiered Mental Health System

7.          In 2023, Singapore launched a comprehensive tiered approach to mental health care to enable people to receive the right care, at the right level, based on their needs. At Tier 1, we focus on mental well-being promotion across the population. Tier 2 encompasses low intensity services within the community, including Community Outreach Teams (CREST). The third tier provides primary care and community-based services, including services at polyclinics and through the Mental Health General Practitioner Partnership. And the fourth tier delivers intensive and crisis care through acute hospitals and Intermediate and Long-Term Care facilities for the more complex of cases.

8.          This is just the beginning as we now build on each tier of services to deliver comprehensive mental health care to those in need.

Alvernia’s Strategic Contribution

9.          Alvernia Psychological Health Centre will also contribute meaningfully to this network of tiered services by expanding capacity within the fourth tier through additional intensive psychological health services, enhancing the accessibility of mental health services for all. This is an exciting and timely addition to Singapore’s mental health landscape.

Acknowledgements

10.    So once again, I commend Mount Alvernia Hospital's leadership for the commitment to Singapore’s mental health needs. Your commitment demonstrates strategic vision and a genuine love and understanding, and an appreciation of our community healthcare needs. We look forward to your further contributions in this space.

11.    To the clinical professionals who will deliver this care - these services provided here within the centre, your expertise and dedication will have profound impact on many patients and their families, and we look forward to the support and care that you will render them.

Closing

12.    Today’s opening reflects how far we have come as a country in terms of mental health care and capabilities. As we observe World Mental Health Day, we reaffirm our commitment to mental health as a fundamental component of well-being.

13.    The launch of Alvernia Psychological Health Centre signals a future where psychological well-being is embraced as integral to living a healthy and fulfilling life. I am confident that we will all continue to develop and grow in alignment with a shared vision of a healthier Singapore.

14.      So finally once again, congratulations to Mount Alvernia Hospital on this very significant milestone. Thank you.