In a significant move to enhance the accessibility and quality of mental health care in Singapore, the Ministry of Health (MOH) is developing a digital platform known as the Digital Mental Health Connect (DMHC). This platform aims to integrate and coordinate mental health support services across over 450 health and social service agencies in the country.The DMHC will enable clinicians and counselors to seamlessly refer patients based on their individual needs, preferences, and risk levels, eliminating the need for patients to navigate a complex system of fragmented services, often resulting in delays in receiving appropriate care.
In addition to facilitating referrals, the DMHC will also provide a secure platform for sharing patient information among healthcare providers. This will help to ensure that patients receive comprehensive and coordinated care, even if they are seeing multiple providers.
The development of the DMHC is a key component of Singapore’s National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy, which was launched in 2022. The strategy aims to create a more supportive and inclusive society for people with mental health needs.
Making Mental Health Care More Accessible and Affordable
- Healthcare providers can begin preparing for the DMHC by reviewing their existing referral processes and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
- Patients can familiarize themselves with the DMHC and its benefits by visiting the MOH website or contacting their healthcare provider.
- Members of the public can support the development of the DMHC by raising awareness of the importance of mental health care and encouraging people to seek help if they are struggling.
DMHC: Built on a Secure and Scalable Technology Platform
The DMHC is being developed in collaboration with a range of stakeholders, including healthcare providers, patients, and advocacy groups. The platform is expected to be rolled out in phases, with the first phase focusing on integrating mental health services in the public healthcare sector.
“The development of the DMHC is a significant step forward in our efforts to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health care in Singapore,” said Associate Professor Daniel Fung, Director of the National Mental Health Programme Office. “The platform will help to break down silos between different services and ensure that patients receive the care they need when they need it.”. “The DMHC has the potential to revolutionize the way mental health care is delivered in Singapore,” said Ms. Jaqueline Yong, President of the Singapore Association for Mental Health. “By making it easier for patients to access the right services, the platform will help to reduce the burden of mental illness on individuals and families.”
The development of the DMHC is a positive step towards creating a more comprehensive and integrated mental health care system in Singapore. The platform has the potential to improve the lives of people with mental health needs by making it easier for them to access the care they need.
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