The First International Scientific Meeting Of The International Society Of Ultrasound In O&G (ISUOG)

21 Mar 2004

By Dr Balaji Sadasivan

Venue: Raffles City Convention Centre

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen

I would like to congratulate the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG), the Obstetrical & Gynaecological Society of Singapore and the Chapter of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Academy of Medicine, Singapore, for jointly organizing this First International Scientific Meeting of ISUOG in Singapore.

I would like to welcome all delegates and their families to Singapore to attend this historic first ISUOG International Scientific Meeting. We have in this gathering, many eminent world experts in the practice and research of ultrasound in O&G.

Ultrasound has revolutionised the practice of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (O&G) and is a now very well established diagnostic and screening tool in O&G worldwide. Ultrasound is an important tool of the O&G practitioner for the optimal management of an obstetric or gynaecological patient. It has helped to ensure optimal outcomes for each pregnancy.

This is especially important in Singapore where our total number of births per Singapore resident has fallen by more than 30% since 1980. In 2003 our birth rate hit an all-time low of 1.26, one of the lowest in the world. This is far below the replacement rate of 2.1 that we need.

This problem is not unique to Singapore; many other developed economies also face the same worrying trends of declining birthrates. Couples are marrying later and postponing plans to start a family. Even when they do have children, many prefer to have smaller families and this has exacerbated our declining birthrates.

Children form the foundations of our future. Declining birth rates with an ageing population is a potentially serious demographic time bomb. Our population needs to regenerate itself to maintain the vitality of our nation. Singapore has pulled out all stops to address our declining fertility. All our baby policies are currently under review.

While we work hard to boost our declining birthrates, a high standard of O&G services is important to ensure that every pregnancy results in the best outcome possible. I am therefore happy to be here today, at the first in a series of ISUOG international scientific meetings that seeks to promote high standards of obstetrics and gynecology ultrasound practice in our region and in the world.

I also hope that besides a stimulating scientific programme, you would also have an exciting social programme and be able to experience our warm hospitality. I hope that you have enjoyable and successful Meeting.

I declare this First International Scientific Meeting of ISUOG open. Thank you.