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The recent MediShieldLife review outlined key healthcare priorities for the future: providing adequate coverage for large hospital bills, expected to keep rising, and shifting more care to less costly, non-hospital settings. These reflects the realities of an ageingSingapore and the rising costs of new treatments and healthcare manpower. With about half of IP policyholders with riders still opting for subsidised public healthcare for hospital stays or day surgery, the question arises: Are pricier plans truly necessary?

On 7-8 October 2024, a delegation from the School, led by the Vice Dean of Global Health, Prof Hsu Li Yang, visited the offices of the WHO Western Pacific Region (WPRO) in Manila, Philippines. Through a series of productive meetings, the team fostered closer ties with global health experts at WPRO, paving the way for future collaborations. During the two-day visit, both teams exchanged insights on their respective work and identified potential synergies across various public health areas, including Health Technology Assessment (HTA), digital health and AI, Universal Health Coverage (UHC), health systems, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Tuberculosis (TB), climate change, and health security. Digital health and AI, in particular, emerged as promising areas of mutual interest, with wide applicability to pressing global health challenges. This visit was pivotal in laying the foundation for a shared commitment to advancing public health, with a focus on future collaborations and innovative solutions to address key health issues.

With the expansion of coverage and higher claim limits, MediShield Life premiums are set to increase in stages over the next three years. These changes come as Singapore faces an aging population and rising healthcare costs. How will these adjustments help alleviate medical expenses? And with these changes, how should Singaporeans re-evaluate their private insurance plans? Hear from Professor Hwee Wee Lin as she weighs in how these reforms will shape Singapore’s healthcare system for years to come.

A $4.1 billion support package will help cushion the upcoming MediShield Life premium increase, set to take effect from April 2025. These enhancements aim to ease the financial burden on vulnerable groups, particularly those with chronic conditions, while also encouraging outpatient care to free hospital beds. As Singapore's population ages and medical advancements progress, what other changes can be made to manage rising costs while ensuring equitable access to healthcare? Hear from Assistant Professor Cynthia Chen and Associate Professor Jeremy Lim as they share their insights on how the MediShield Life enhancements can protect vulnerable communities and ensure sustainable healthcare for all.

Canteen food was once a highlight for students during recess, however, increasingly more canteen vendors are now shutting down due to rising operational costs, manpower shortages, and challenges in meeting students' nutritional needs.
 Can we still save our school canteens?
 Hear from Professor Mary Chong as she shares the underlying issues and ask what can be done.

The MediShield Life Council has announced a comprehensive review of Singapore’s basic, mandatory health insurance plan. The review would look at expanding the coverage of MediShield Life, including funding for innovative treatments such as cell, tissue and gene therapy products (CTGTP). What principles should guide this and future healthcare policies?

MediShield Life premiums are set to rise, with the freeze on Integrated Shield Plan (ISP) premium rates lifted as of 1 September 2024 and several ISP providers already increasing premiums, particularly for private hospital plans. How can we effectively control the rise in health insurance premiums? Hear from Assoc Prof Wee Hwee Lin as she shares how healthcare financing works in Singapore and provides practical adjustments that insurers, healthcare providers, and patients can adopt to play their part in keeping premiums affordable.

As Singapore adapts to post-pandemic norms, school canteen operators are struggling. This has led to a rise in vending machines and food deliveries, replacing fresh and affordable meals. Once a haven for healthy meals, school canteens now face uncertainty in securing reliable, long-term operators to manage food stalls. How can we ensure that students continue to have access to nutritious, affordable meals? Hear from Dean, Prof Teo Yik Ying, as he shares his expertise on the importance of reevaluating school meal provisions and advocates for a centralized catering model to support student health and nutrition.

The year 2024 marks the 13th anniversary of the School, a momentous occasion that brought together faculty and staff for a celebration on 4 Oct 2024. The festivities commenced with an engaging and interactive fire safety briefing, setting an energetic tone for the day. Since its establishment in Oct 2011 as Singapore's national school of public health, the School has grown remarkably, making substantial contributions to public health, in both research and education. In his address, Dean, Prof Teo Yik Ying highlighted the School’s key achievements and strategic initiatives over the past year, particularly in global health and artificial intelligence. Once again, we were thrilled to see everyone reunited to commemorate this significant milestone. Here’s to many more years of excellence and impactful contributions in the field of public health!

Singapore is expanding NEWater production through the Tuas NEWater Factory to meet future demands. Alongside this, PUB is developing a NEWater exhibit at Marina Barrage and a learning gallery at the upcoming Tuas Nexus, Singapore’s first integrated water and solid waste treatment facility.

We are delighted to announce that Assoc Prof Adeline Seow and Asst Prof Jasper Tromp have been awarded the NUHS Teaching Excellence Award 2024. This prestigious recognition celebrates their steadfast commitment to education and their tireless efforts in nurturing the next generation of publichealth professionals.

On 10 September 2024, the National Suicide Prevention Strategy (Project Hayat, meaning 'life' in Malay) White Paper was launched in conjunction with World Suicide Prevention Day. Jointly organised by SG Mental Health Matters and Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, the event featured a panel of suicide experts and professionals.