Singapore's Social Work and Healthcare System

Singapore Social Work and Healthcare
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Singapore Social Work and Healthcare
1 Introduction
Singapore has developed a highly efficient and effective social work and healthcare system that is highly recognized as one of the best in the world, especially after the outbreak of COVID-19 (Legido-Quigley et al., 2020). The Singapore government has emphasized the importance of social welfare and healthcare. It has invested extensively in the health sector to ensure its citizens receive the highest care services possible. The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) is responsible for developing and improving social programs. These social programs' agenda includes catering to the needs of vulnerable groups, such as low-income families, elderly citizens, and individuals with different disabilities in Singapore. The country's health ministry highly regulates the social work sector in Singapore. Also, all social workers must be registered with the Singapore Association of Social Workers (SASW) to serve in the healthcare sector (Dominelli, 2020). The healthcare system in Singapore is highly accessible, affordable, and elite in quality. The Ministry of Health (MOH) oversees the healthcare system and ensures all citizens have access to necessary healthcare services. The healthcare system is based on a three-tiered approach that includes primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare. This analysis will examine the entanglement between social, economic, cultural, religious, psychological, and demographic factors and Singapore's healthy and unhealthy people.
2 Discussion
1 Analysis of Social Factors
1 Health and Well-being. In Singapore, social factors play a significant role in determining the health and well-being of its citizens. Social determinants of health refer to how people are born, grow, live, work, and age and how these conditions impact their health outcomes. These determinants include socioeconomic status, education, employment, social support networks, and healthcare services.
2 Illness, Disability, and Patient Recovery. Lower socioeconomic status is associated with poorer health outcomes, including higher rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease (Malhotra et al., 2018). This is because lower-income individuals may have limited access to healthy foods, healthcare services, and recreational facilities, which can lead to unhealthy lifestyles, chronic health conditions, illness, disability from complications, and challenges in patient recovery. In 2020, a study found that older Singaporeans from lower-income classes were more likely to be disabled (Seng et al.,2020). People with less money are more likely to have trouble walking, getting dressed, and taking a bath, which hurts their quality of life.
3 Holistic Healthcare People's Needs with Chronic Diseases. Chronic diseases, such as diabetes, require ongoing management, care, and intensive attention, which the healthcare professionals provide. They work to address the physical, psychological, and social needs of people suffering from chronic medical problems like cancer, asthma, and cystic fabriosis. The National University Hospital in Singapore provides a holistic diabetes care program that includes medical treatment, counselling, support groups, and lifestyle management for the rapid recovery of patients.
2.2 Analysis of Economic Factors
2.2.1 Health and Well-being. Individuals with lower incomes may have limited access to healthcare services, healthy foods, and other resources that impact their health outcomes, leading to higher rates of chronic diseases and poorer health outcomes (Malhotra et al., 2018). For example, a study conducted in 2020 found that individuals living in neighbourhoods with lower median incomes in Singapore had higher rates of chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.
2.2.2 Illness, Disability, and Patient Recovery. Economic factors like food, clothing, and medication must induce illness and disability. Even the deprivation of these basic economic needs slows the extent of patient recovery and, thus, makes them more ill. However, the Ministry of Health in Singapore provides subsidies and financial assistance to individuals who cannot afford healthcare services, helping those people with illness and disability to manage or recover from their economic and financial conditions so that they may recover rapidly from their medical problems. Healthcare professionals and social workers in Singapore work to provide support and resources for individuals who have financial difficulties to help them access the care they need to manage their economic deprivations and deal with their medical issues at last.
2.2.3 Holistic Healthcare People's Needs with Chronic Diseases. The cost of healthcare in Singapore can be a significant burden for those with chronic illnesses, especially if they require frequent hospitalizations, medication, and other treatments (Seng et al., 2020). Because of the cost, people may put off getting medical care or forego treatments they need. Individuals with chronic illnesses may struggle to cope with Singapore's competitive work culture and long working hours. They may find it challenging to devote time and effort to symptom management and medical appointments.
2.3 Analysis of Cultural Factors
2.3.1 Health and Well-being. Traditional family ties and community support for one's health and well-being are highly valued in Singapore. Support groups and community-based resources for people with chronic diseases can also play a role in this process (Dominelli, 2020). As an illustration, the Singapore National Eye Centre hosts support groups for people with vision impairments and their loved ones to assist them in adjusting to living with the disease and boost their happiness and quality of life.
2.3.2 Illness, Disability, and Patient Recovery. Mental illness is stigmatized in many Singaporean communities and interpreted as a reflection of individual failing. People's mental health, disability, and the possibility of recovery can all be negatively impacted by their reluctance to seek treatment. Singapore's medical and social service providers are actively combating this stigma and helping those struggling to find the services they need to improve their mental health. For instance, the Institute of Mental Health in Singapore runs initiatives to raise awareness about mental illness and provide counselling and therapy to people who need it (Javed et al., 2021). A 2019 study discovered that people's cultural views regarding the origins of sickness can influence how they cope with their chronic illnesses.
2.3.3 Holistic Healthcare People's Needs with Chronic Diseases. Because filial piety is a big part of Singaporean culture, people with chronic illnesses may feel like they can't put too much financial or mental stress on their families. Because of this, people may wait to get help until their diseases have reached much worse. Cultural standards and assumptions can also affect how chronic diseases are treated. Some people may get treatment from non-Western sources, such as normal or alternative medicine, instead of Western medicine, which may not work or even worsen their conditions. The fact that cultural factors in Singapore can affect how people with chronic conditions handle their needs and get healthcare shows how important it is to treat people in a way that considers their culture.
2.4 Analysis of Religious Factors
2.4.1 Health and Well-being. Religion can make people feel like they are part of a group and give them social support, which is good for their mental health and well-being. Religious groups may offer counseling, support groups, and other services to help people deal with health problems and worry. Religious beliefs can affect health practices, like what people eat and how often they work out. For example, some spiritual practices may support vegetarianism or fasting, which could affect a person's food intake and health(Sharifian et al., 2022). Religious views can also stop people from getting blood transfusions or specific medical treatments. This could affect the health results of people needing these interventions.
2.4.2 Illness, Disability, and Patient Recovery. Comfort, hope, and a sense of purpose provided by religious beli...