Health screenings take on a greater importance with the coming introduction of the MediShield Life scheme, where a healthy population will help keep insurance premiums in check while ensuring the scheme remains viable in the long run.

Early detection of illnesses through regular health screenings will increase the chances of a faster, better recovery and, hence, lower medical bills.

While the Ministry of Health (MOH) has continually enhanced accessibility to and affordability of chronic disease management with its Integrated Screening Programme and through various programmes such as the Workplace Health Promotion Grant and regular on-site health screenings, the responsibility of taking care of one’s health still falls solely on the individual. This may not be tenable in the future as individuals could affect the collective interest of the whole, given that insurance is a common pool of collective risks.

The MOH’s current framework of providing the necessary tools, such as infrastructure, educational materials and financial grants, may have to be reviewed, with a more proactive approach taken instead. Health screenings are currently targeted at certain age groups to achieve a more efficient outcome in a cost-effective manner. This approach may have to be modified to encompass a more holistic one. Early education on the importance of taking care of one’s health will ensure a greater acceptance of the necessity of attending screenings.

Awards could be given to recognise the efforts of those who go for health screenings regularly and maintain good health, similar to those that the Singapore Red Cross gives to regular blood donors.

To increase health screening participation rates, full subsidies of screening tests could be offered, and monetary incentives in the form of Medisave top-ups could be given to those with a clean bill of health. There is unlikely to be an abuse of such a scheme as a healthy, normal person is less inclined to undergo health screenings more often than the recommended frequency. The issue of excessive utilisation of funds on health screenings is also unlikely to arise if only the necessary screening tests are given.

Taking care of one’s health can no longer be seen as a personal responsibility with the introduction of MediShield Life. A mindset change is needed and the MOH should adopt a more active role in educating the public on the importance of a healthy lifestyle, which would help keep MediShield Life premiums affordable and sustainable.

The author of this letter is head of corporate services for a private healthcare group and is writing in his personal capacity.