Theme: Healthcare

Playlist: Active Ageing

Active Ageing is a government initiative to encourage seniors to remain mentally, physically and socially active for a healthy and fulfilling life. Learn about Singapore’s approach to active ageing in this playlist.

Check out these resources to help you gain some understanding of active ageing in Singapore.

Learning Package: Active Ageing

The Active Ageing approach aims to enable individuals to enhance their physical, mental, and social well-being, remain actively involved in society, and achieve financial independence for a good quality of life. As of 2024, Singapore has introduced two action plans to address how Singaporeans might approach successful ageing, of which active ageing is a part of.

In Singapore, one of the most visible forms of the active ageing programmes at work are the Active Ageing Centres (AACs). These centres cater to Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents who are aged 60 and above and are a drop-in social recreational centre with activities such as karaoke, music classes, workshops, and physical fitness classes. The AACs also promote volunteerism, offer information on grants and support for seniors, and render community screening services. Some AACs also provide care services such as day care and community rehab.

Did you know...

Singapore is the world’s second-fastest ageing society after the Republic of Korea? By 2030, 1 in 4 will be over the age of 65, and the active ageing programmes in Singapore are developed to better support the seniors in their ageing journey.

This curated set of articles and books will help you understand more about active ageing in Singapore.

Articles

Age is just a number by Cheow Sue-Ann

This article mentions active ageing insights from Mr. Johnnie Siregar, a former detective, Ms Boo Hong Kwen, a former professor, and Mr. Clement Tan, a training consultant. They were guides to an exhibition on active ageing at the Singapore Science Centre.

Source: Cheow, Sue-Ann. (2017, 7 November). “Age is just a number"Straits Times, 12. (From NewspaperSG)

Active and Productive Ageing by Thelma Kay and Marie Nodzneski

This article discusses active and productive ageing in Asia and provides a general overview of the state of affairs for the region. Singapore’s Action Plan for Successful Ageing, Singapore’s Maintenance of Parents Act were mentioned in the action plan and policy section. Several of Singapore’s health initiatives, life-long learning initiatives, productive ageing initiatives are also mentioned.

Source: Kay, Thelma, and Marie Nodzenski. (2019). “Active and Productive Ageing."In Phua Kai Hong, Goh Lee Gan, and Yap Mui Teng (eds.), Ageing in Asia: Contemporary Trends and Policy Issues (Singapore: World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd), 151-176. (Call no. RSING 362.6095 AGE)

Active ageing hub opens in McNair Road by Zhaki Abdullah

The Kwong Wai Shiu Care Centre @ McNair was the first active ageing hub for Singapore. The community care centre offers rehabilitative care and social programmes for residents in the area, which complements services offered by the hospital in Serangoon Road.

Source: Abdullah, Zhaki. (2017, 12 November). “Active ageing hub opens in McNair Road."Straits Times, 9. (From NewspaperSG)

Books

Living Life to the Fullest: 2023 Action Plan for Successful Ageing

Source: Ministry of Health. (2023). Living Life to the Fullest: 2023 Action Plan for Successful Ageing. Singapore: Ministry of Health. (Call no. RSING 362.6095957 SIN)

This Ministry of Health booklet outlines Singapore’s action plan for successful ageing, which includes the Active Ageing Centres. It mentions how they provide active ageing programmes, befriending services, care referral services, connect communities, and provide community-based vital signs monitoring.

I feel young in my Singapore : action plan for successful ageing

Source: Ministry of Health. (2016). I feel young in my Singapore : action plan for successful ageing. Singapore: Ministry of Health. (Call no. RSING 362.6095957 SIN)

This Ministry of Health booklet mentions how MOH has planned for Active Ageing Hubs in HDB developments that will provide active ageing programmes and services for active and ambulant seniors.

Healthy ageing in Singapore : opportunities, challenges and the way forward

Source: Luk, Sabrina Ching Yuen. (2023). Healthy ageing in Singapore : opportunities, challenges and the way forward. Singapore: Palgrave Macmillan. (Call no. RSING 362.6095957 LUK)

This book gives an overview of Singapore’s ageing population, and has articles about the financial well-being of older adults, music therapy, the use of technology and the wellness of older adults, connecting digitally during COVID-19, ageing in place, the creation of dementia-friendly communities, and advance care planning.

Playlist: Traditional Medicine and Healing

Traditional medicine and healing practices coexist with modern healthcare in Singapore. While adapting to contemporary needs, these diverse practices continue to offer holistic approaches to health and wellness, emphasising natural remedies and preventive care.

Explore these videos to learn more about traditional medicine and healing practices in Singapore.

Learning Package: Traditional Medicine and Healing

Diverse healing practices have shaped our multicultural healthcare landscape in Singapore, from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to Malay healing practices and Ayurvedic influences.

Did you know...

Eu Yan Sang, a company specialising in traditional Chinese herbs and medicine, has a history dating back to 1879?

Through this selection of articles and books, you will discover the historical roots, cultural significance, and modern applications of traditional medicine and healing practices.

Articles

Magic or Medicine? Malay Healing Practices by Nadirah Norrudin

This article delves into the rich tapestry of traditional Malay medicine, known as ubat-ubatan, a practice steeped in centuries of wisdom and passed down through generations. The article also looks at how traditional Malay healing methods were perceived by British colonial rulers in 20th-century Malaya. Key aspects explored in the article include the holistic nature of Malay healing practices, the use of indigenous flora and fauna in traditional pharmacology, and the influence of Islamic and Hindu beliefs on healing methods.

Source: Nadirah Norrudin. (2018). “Magic or Medicine? Malay Healing Practices"BiblioAsia 14, 3 (Oct-Dec 2018). Singapore: National Library Board. Retrieved 2024, December 5.

Eu Tong Sen and His Business Empire by Seow Peck Ngiam

This article explores the history and development of Eu Yan Sang, a company specialising in traditional Chinese herbs and medicine. It traces the company's journey from its humble beginnings in 19th-century Malaya to its current status as a respected international brand. It also features the Koh Seow Chuan Collection at the National Library of Singapore. This collection contains early 20th-century business and personal documents related to Eu Tong Sen and Eu Yan Sang, including receipts, invoices, remittance notes, and correspondences.

Source: Seow, Peck Ngiam. (2016). “Eu Tong Sen and His Business Empire."BiblioAsia12, 2 (Jul-Sep 2016). Singapore: National Library Board. Retrieved 2024, December 5.

Singapore Chinese Physicians’ Association by Seow Peck Ngiam

This article looks at the history and significance of the Singapore Chinese Physicians' Association, a key organisation in the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Singapore, which was founded in 1946 after World War II. It also offers insights into how traditional healing practices have developed in a modern context and how they have been integrated into Singapore's healthcare landscape.

Source: Seow, Peck Ngiam. (2020). “Singapore Chinese Physicians’ Association."Singapore Infopedia. Singapore: National Library Board. Retrieved 2024, December 5.

Ginger by Ang Seow Leng

This article explores the diverse Zingiberales plant order, with a focus on its culinary uses and medicinal applications in traditional healing practices. It spotlights five species, namely cardamom, galangal, ginger, torch ginger, and turmeric. The article is particularly relevant for those interested in herbal remedies, ethnobotany, and the historical use of plants in healthcare across different Asian cultures.

Source: Ang, Seow Leng. (2021). “Ginger."Singapore Infopedia. Singapore: National Library Board. Retrieved 2024, December 5.

Books

Paths to Asian Medical Knowledge

Leslie, Charles and Allan Young (eds.). (1992). Paths to Asian Medical Knowledge. Berkeley: University of California Press. (Call no. RSING 610.95 PAT)

This anthology offers insights into various Asian medical traditions, some of which are practised and respected in Singapore's multicultural healthcare landscape. The book explores how different cultures understand health, disease, and healing. Of particular interest to readers in Singapore are three essays that resonate with our multicultural heritage: "Winds, Waters, Seeds, and Souls: Folk Concepts of Physiology and Etiology in Chinese Geomancy" by Gary Seaman, "Death and Nurturance in Indian Systems of Healing" by Margaret Trawick, and "A Welcoming Soil: Islamic Humoralism on the Malay Peninsula" by Carol Laderman.

100 Useful Herbs in Malaysia and Singapore: An Introduction to Their Medicinal, Culinary, Aromatic and Cosmetic Uses

Wong, K. M. (ed.). (2014). 100 Useful Herbs in Malaysia and Singapore: An Introduction to Their Medicinal, Culinary, Aromatic and Cosmetic Uses. Singapore: Marshall Cavendish Editions. (Call no. RSING 615.32109595 SAM)

This book offers a concise yet thorough introduction to 100 common herbs found in Malaysia and Singapore. It highlights the uses of these herbs in traditional medicine, culinary applications, and natural remedies in the region. The book includes wide and close-up photographs of the plants.

Malay Medical Manuscripts: Heritage from the Garden of Healing

Mohd. Affendi Mohd. Shafri, and Intan Azura Shahdan (eds.). (2017). Malay Medical Manuscripts: Heritage from the Garden of Healing. Selangor: Akademi Jawi Malaysia; Cambridge: The Islamic Manuscript Association Ltd. (Call no. RSEA 610.95 INT)

This volume explores traditional Malay medicine through Malay medical manuscripts, their contents and their socio-intellectual significance. It presents a collection of articles by experts from diverse fields, providing a multifaceted view of these historical texts and their significance in modern contexts.

Chinese Medicine for Health: Holistic Healing, Inner Harmony and Herbal Recipes

Hong, Hai, Karen Wee, and Soh Shan Bin. (2023). Chinese Medicine for Health: Holistic Healing, Inner Harmony and Herbal Recipes. Singapore: World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd. (Call no. RSING 615.5 HON)

This introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers explanations of fundamental TCM concepts (qi, blood, essence), an exploration of TCM models (yin yang, five elements, TCM syndromes), and insights into herbal medicine with practical recipes. Designed for both general readers and healthcare professionals, this book bridges traditional wisdom with modern understanding.

From Ayurveda to Chinese Medicine

Leung, Ping-Chung and Debashis Panda (eds.). (2017). From Ayurveda to Chinese Medicine. Singapore; New Jersey: World Scientific. (Call no. R 615.538 FRO)

This book explores the interconnections between two of Asia's most influential traditional healing systems: ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Key aspects explored in this book include the similarities and differences between ayurveda and TCM, the philosophical foundations underpinning both systems, and how these ancient practices can be integrated into modern healthcare. Other topics discussed are the relationship between ayurveda and yoga, and TCM's connections with martial arts and acupuncture.

Playlist: Healthcare Facilities

Singapore’s network of healthcare facilities addresses the population’s diverse range of needs, from primary healthcare to long-term community or residential care.

Check out these resources to help you gain some understanding of hospitals, polyclinics, and other healthcare facilities in Singapore.

Learning Package: Healthcare Facilities

From humble beginnings of early healthcare in the 19th century, Singapore’s healthcare system has transformed over the years, adding and improving a diverse network of healthcare facilities that cater to various needs. These include the major public and private hospitals offering acute and specialised services, primary care facilities such as polyclinics and general practitioner clinics, and community hospitals which provide services ranging from rehabilitative care to dialysis and dementia care. These facilities continue to adapt to changing healthcare demands, from managing infectious diseases and advancing medical treatments to addressing the needs of an ageing population.

Did you know...

In 1966, KK Hospital entered the Guinness World Records for the largest number of births in a single medical facility that year, with 39,835 deliveries. More than 85 percent of all the births in Singapore took place in KKH, where more than 100 babies were delivered daily.

These curated set of articles and books will help you understand more about healthcare facilities in Singapore.

Articles

Singapore General Hospital by Naidu Ratnala Thulaja

This article chronicles the development of Singapore General Hospital from its humble origins in 1821 as a wooden shed for troops to its current status as a leading medical institution. The hospital has been a pioneer in medical breakthroughs, notably conducting Singapore's first renal transplant in 1970 and the first heart transplant two decades later. SGH has also advanced medical education in Singapore, serving as the country's primary post-graduate teaching hospital. The preservation of the hospital's historic Bowyer Block as a national monument in 2009 underscores SGH's enduring impact on Singapore's healthcare landscape.

Source: Thulaja, Naidu Ratnala. (2016)."Singapore General Hospital."Singapore Infopedia. Singapore: National Library Board. Retrieved 2024, November 11.

KK Women's and Children's Hospital by Veronica Chee & Naidu Ratnala Thulaja

This article traces the history of KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore's largest medical facility specialising in obstetrics, gynaecology, neonatology and paediatrics. Originally established in 1858 as a general hospital in the Kandang Kerbau district, it officially became a maternity hospital in 1924. In 1966, the hospital delivered a record-breaking 39,856 babies, earning it a place in the Guinness Book of Records. KK Hospital has been at the forefront of medical advancements, notably delivering Southeast Asia's first "test-tube baby" in 1983. Today, it stands as Singapore's only integrated women's and children's hospital, continuing its legacy of specialised care.

Source: Chee, Veronica and Thulaja, Naidu Ratnala. (2016). "KK Women's and Children's Hospital by Veronica Chee & Naidu Ratnala Thulaja ."Singapore Infopedia. Singapore: National Library Board. Retrieved 2024, November 11.

Tan Tock Seng Hospital by Naidu Ratnala Thulaja

This article traces the history of Tan Tock Seng Hospital, one of Singapore's oldest healthcare institutions. With the support of philanthropist Tan Tock Seng, the hospital was established in 1844 as the Chinese Pauper Hospital, with the aim of providing medical services for the poor. Tan Tock Seng Hospital has been at the forefront of medical advancements in Singapore, including the country's first open-heart surgery in 1967 and its first coronary bypass surgery in 1976. The hospital has been designated as a centre for tuberculosis treatment, and also played a crucial role in combating the SARS outbreak in 2003.

Source: Thulaja, Naidu Ratnala. (2016)."Tan Tock Seng Hospital."Singapore Infopedia. Singapore: National Library Board. Retrieved 2024, November 11.

Institute of Mental Health by Joshua Yeong Jia Chia

This article chronicles the history of the Institute of Mental Health, Singapore’s sole government mental hospital. From its origins as the 'Insane Hospital' in 1841, the institution has undergone multiple relocations and name changes, from the establishment of the Mental Hospital in Yio Chu Kang in 1928, its renaming to Woodbridge Hospital in 1951 and subsequently to the Institute of Mental Health in 1993.

Source: Chia, Joshua Yeong Jia. (2008)."Institute of Mental Health."Singapore Infopedia. Singapore: National Library Board. Retrieved 2024, November 11.

Alexandra Hospital by Irene Lim

This article traces the history of Alexandra Hospital, from its establishment as a British Military Hospital in 1940 to its current role in Singapore's healthcare system. Notable achievements include Southeast Asia's first successful limb reattachment surgery in 1975 and the establishment of Singapore's first geriatric centre in 1994. The hospital was gazetted as a conserved building in 2014 for its historical significance.

Source: Lim, Irene. (2018)."Alexandra Hospital."Singapore Infopedia. Singapore: National Library Board. Retrieved 2024, November 11.

Books

Singapore's health care system: what 50 years have achieved

Lee Chien Ern and K. Satku, eds. (2015). Singapore's health care system: what 50 years have achieved. Singapore; New Jersey: World Scientific. (Call no.: RSING 362.1095957 SIN)

This book offers a holistic analysis of Singapore’s healthcare system and its transformation since independence. Healthcare institutions are a key focus, with chapters covering individual restructured and private hospitals, as well as system-wide perspectives on clinical quality, healthcare governance, IT development, and ongoing challenges in healthcare.

NHG Polyclinics: 15 years of transforming primary healthcare

National Healthcare Group Polyclinics. (2015). NHG Polyclinics: 15 years of transforming primary healthcare. Singapore: National Healthcare Group Polyclinics. (Call no.: RSING 362.12095957 NHG)

This publication commemorates the 15th anniversary of National Healthcare Group Polyclinics and chronicles the history of polyclinics in Singapore. Key milestones include the grouping of individual polyclinics into clusters for better coordination, the development of allied health services and family medicine, and the role played by polyclinics at the frontline of the SARS outbreak in 2003.

Sanctuary & stronghold: SGH at 200

Yeo Wei Wei. (2021). Sanctuary & stronghold: SGH at 200. Singapore: Singapore General Hospital. (Call no.: RSING 362.11095957 YEO)

This two-volume publication provides a comprehensive overview of Singapore General Hospital, the country’s oldest healthcare institution. The first volume delves into the history of the hospital’s development over 200 years, from operating out of a shed to providing cutting-edge medical services for the nation. The second volume focuses on the people that make up the hospital, sharing stories of personal memories and connections drawn from interviews with staff.

At the cutting edge: an intimate snapshot of a hospital

Changi General Hospital. (2008). At the cutting edge: an intimate snapshot of a hospital. Singapore: Changi General Hospital. (Call no.: RSING 362.11095957 AT)

This book provides a glimpse behind the scenes of Changi General Hospital. Adapted from a photography exhibition presented by healthcare professionals, these black-and-white photos capture the intricacies of daily operations in the hospital, which are paired with informative captions that tell the stories behind the people and processes on display. 

eBooks

Development of hospital care and nursing in Singapore

Viji Mudeliar, C.R.S. Nair, R.P. Norris. (1983). Development of hospital care and nursing in Singapore. Singapore: Ministry of Health.

This booklet, produced by the Ministry of Health, chronicles the history and development of hospital and nursing practices in Singapore, from the early times since the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles in Singapore up till the book’s publication in the 1980s.

Read the digitised book here.

Playlist: Infectious Diseases

Singapore has experienced and dealt with many infectious diseases throughout history. While some diseases like cholera and polio have been successfully managed and no longer afflict us on epidemic proportions, new infectious diseases have emerged in recent years, posing new risks and challenges.

Check out these resources to learn more about Singapore’s efforts to manage the various infectious diseases that continue to plague us.

Leaning Package: Infectious Diseases

Throughout our history, Singapore has been a global hub that sees a constant flow of goods, commerce, ideas, and people. As a result, we have been susceptible to international spread of diseases through individuals and goods. While some of these infectious diseases have been successfully managed and are no longer cause for serious concern, other emerging infectious diseases have appeared in recent years, posing new risks.

Did you know...

Singapore has experienced major pandemics before Covid-19 and even before SARS. Colonial Singapore went through three influenza pandemics – in 1890, 1918, and 1957.

This curated set of articles and books will help you learn more about some infectious diseases that have afflicted Singapore and the ways the country has managed them.

Articles

Cholera outbreak of 1873

The cholera epidemic of 1873 lasted from July to September and resulted in 857 reported cases and 448 deaths. Port health controls on immigrants and ships were introduced after this outbreak.

Source: -. (July 2015). “Cholera outbreak of 1873.” Singapore Infopedia. Singapore: National Library Board. Retrieved 2024, September 16.

Communicable Disease Centre by Naidu Ratnala Thulaja

The Communicable Disease Centre first began as a quarantine camp for patients with infectious diseases in 1907. In 1913, the quarantine camp became the Government Infectious Diseases Hospital, and was renamed the Middleton Hospital in 1920.

Source: Naidu Ratnala Thulaja. (2016). “Communicable Disease Centre.” Singapore Infopedia. Singapore: National Library Board. Retrieved 2024, September 16.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) by Valerie Chew

SARS is a highly contagious respiratory disease that is caused by a novel coronavirus. It first emerged in November 2002 and resulted in a global epidemic that infected 8096 people worldwide and resulted in 774 deaths. Singapore was one of the worst-hit countries, with 238 cases and 33 deaths.

Source: Valerie Chew. (February 2020). “Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).” Singapore Infopedia. Singapore: National Library Board. Retrieved 2024, September 16.

Vaccination by Asrina Tanuri

Since pre-independence, immunisation programmes have been introduced by the government as a key disease prevention strategy to control the spread of vaccine-preventable infectious diseases in Singapore. This article traces how Singapore’s vaccination program has evolved since the first Vaccination Ordinance was enacted in 1868.

Source: Asrina Tanuri. (May 2021). “Vaccination.” Singapore Infopedia. Singapore: National Library Board. Retrieved 2024, September 16.

Books

A defining moment: How Singapore beat SARS

Chua, Mui Hoong. (2004). A defining moment: How Singapore beat SARS. Singapore: Institute of Policy Studies. (Call no.: RSING 614.592 CHU)

This book chronicles the key moments during the SARS crisis in Singapore, including when the disease first reached Singapore’s shores, emerged in hospitals and how the government tackled the problem. Written by then-senior political correspondent of the Straits Times, and commissioned by the Ministry of Communications, Information, and the Arts, it captures key facts of the crisis and the strong emotions that surrounded it.

Tuberculosis - the Singapore experience, 1867-2018: Disease, society and the state

Loh, Kah Seng & Li Yang Hsu. (2020). Tuberculosis - the Singapore experience, 1867-2018: Disease, society and the state. Abingdon, Oxon; New York: Routledge. (Call no.: RSING 616.995095957 LOH)

Through a historical account of tuberculosis control in Singapore since the mid-nineteenth century, this book charts the relationship between tuberculosis, Singapore society, and the colonial and post-colonial governments.

eBooks

Infectious diseases and Singapore: Past, present and future

Hsu, Li Yang & Vincent J. X. Pang. (2015). Infectious diseases and Singapore: Past, present and future. Edited by David Lye Chien Boon & Paul Anantharajah Tambyah. Singapore: Society of Infectious Disease.

This book details the important infectious diseases of the past and present, and how the people and Singapore government have worked together to overcome them. It also attempts to forecast the possible infectious disease threats to Singapore in the future.

Borrow the eBook here.

Retrieved from OverDrive (a myLibrary username is required to access the eBook).

Pandemics in Singapore, 1819-2022: Lessons for the age of Covid-19

Loh, Kah Seng & Hsu Li Yang. (2024). Pandemics in Singapore, 1819-2022: Lessons for the age of Covid-19. Abingdon, Oxon; New York, NY: Routledge. 

This book offers a sociological and historical perspective of how different pandemics have unfolded in Singapore, from colonial times to recent years. It explores how they were managed by the governments of the time, how they were experienced by the people, and how they were remembered in the aftermath. In doing so, the book attempts to draw historical lessons from past pandemics for the next one we will inevitably face.

Borrow the eBook here.

Retrieved from OverDrive (a myLibrary username is required to access the eBook).