NHG launches new institute to better serve Singapore’s ageing population

SINGAPORE: To better serve the needs of Singapore’s ageing population, the National Healthcare Group (NHG) will launch the new Institute of Geriatrics and Active Ageing (IGA) on Friday.

The centre, to be housed in Tan Tock Seng Hospital, is a one—stop service centre bringing together different medical specialities to care for the elderly.

The IGA is set up by Tan Tock Seng Hospital’s Division of Integrative and Community Care (DICC) to establish new directions for geriatric care in Singapore.

The institute will also allow healthcare professionals to conduct research.

Focus areas will include clinical, technology, living environment and industrial designs.

This will be targeted at developing innovative care models.

The institute will also work with the three medical schools to improve the prominence of geriatric education.

It will also serve as a platform for medical professionals and elder care providers in the community to share knowledge and exchange ideas on ageing research and education.

Associate Professor Chin Jing Jih, divisional chairman of Integrative and Community Care at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, said: "The population in Singapore is ageing very rapidly and we have set (up) this Institute of Geriatric and Active Ageing primarily to coordinate research and educational efforts so that they can be aligned with the needs of senior citizens in Singapore.

"Through this platform, we also hope to train more healthcare workers to be confident and competent in the care for the elderly."

— CNA/cc