Singapore Healthcare System Overview

This assignment provides an overview of the healthcare system in Singapore. It discusses how Singapore meets the WHO criteria for a well-functioning healthcare system by focusing on affordable healthcare, individual responsibility, multi-layered financing schemes, and equitable access to care. The essay also highlights the system's strengths in protecting individuals from financial hardship due to illness and defending the population against health threats through long-term care, social support, and preventative measures.

Running head: HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS
An overview of the healthcare system in Singapore
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS
Singapore is an island country and has achieved extraordinary outcomes in efficient
healthcare quality. This essay will give an overview of the Singapore health system.
According to the WHO, a well-functioning healthcare system should balance the needs
and expectations of the population by meeting several criteria (Who.int, 2017). Singapore meets
the criteria of improving the health status of families and individuals by publicly financing
healthcare that anchors the twin philosophy of affordable healthcare and individual
responsibility.
Funding healthcare coverage through tax-financed government subsidies, financing
schemes and insurance programs like Medishield and Medifund, play a critical role. Presence of
multilayered financing schemes, outpatient specialist care services and public hospitals meet the
second criteria of protecting people against financial consequences of ill-health
(International.commonwealthfund.org, 2017).
The Singapore healthcare system provides equitable access to people-centred care by
financing primary care services that generally serve the lower-income population.
Multidisciplinary shared care teams are also organized to provide care and treatment to the
mentally ill in the community. Moreover, it encourages low-wage workers to save for their
retirement to have better access to care (International.commonwealthfund.org, 2017).
The final criteria of defending population against threats is met by financing long-term
and social support of the elderly and creating blueprints for educating and preventing, early
detection and treatment of individuals facing emotional difficulties and those at-risk. It is also
employing private health insurances to cover chronic health conditions such as diabetes and
hypertension.

2HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS
Thus, it can be stated that the Singapore government is assessing the health needs of the
population while meeting the standards imposed by the WHO for a well-functioning healthcare
system.

3HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS
References
International.commonwealthfund.org. (2017). Singapore : International Health Care System
Profiles. International.commonwealthfund.org. Retrieved 6 November 2017, from
http://international.commonwealthfund.org/countries/singapore/
Who.int. (2017). WHO | Key components of a well functioning health system. Who.int. Retrieved
6 November 2017, from http://www.who.int/healthsystems/publications/hss_key/en/