Strengthen preventive education to lower healthcare costs

For most diseases and injuries, prevention is always the best treatment.

- Christopher Lo Chi Ngai

It is especially relevant to Singapore's ageing population and given the rising costs of healthcare.

Well-established research shows that the prevalence of certain health conditions and injuries can be significantly reduced through structured preventive measures.

Take falls as an example. Comprehensive programmes that include individual risk assessments, home safety screening, health education and balance exercises have been shown to effectively reduce fall risk and associated fractures by 20 to 40 per cent.