NDR 2025: PM Wong urges more to sign up for Healthier SG

More than 1.3 million people have enrolled in Healthier SG, a national initiative focused on preventive healthcare.

Urging more people to get on board on Aug 17, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said: "You don't just see the doctor when you are sick."

Behind the call is an unfavourable national statistic: Singaporeans spend an average of 10 years living with illness or disability in the later part of their lives.

"We must try and bring this figure down, and certainly not allow it to get bigger," said PM Wong in his National Day Rally speech.

Healthier SG, rolled out in July 2023, encourages Singapore citizens and permanent residents aged 40 and older to manage their health, prevent chronic diseases and lead healthier lifestyles.

People work with a chosen primary care provider to develop their personalised health plans. The scheme also allows people to receive free annual check-ups, nationally recommended vaccinations and health screenings.

There are about 2.2 million Singapore residents aged at least 40 as at June 2024, according to data from the Singapore Department of Statistics.

Singapore's society is ageing rapidly. In 2015, about 13 per cent of Singaporeans were aged 65 and above. In 2025, the number is just over 20 per cent.

According to the United Nations, a country with 21 per cent or more of its population aged 65 and above is considered super-aged.

"We will likely cross that mark by next year," said PM Wong.

"That's why it's important to orientate our entire healthcare system towards promoting health, not just treating sickness."

In 10 years' time, when Singapore celebrates SG70, the country is expected to have over 25 per cent of its population aged 65 and above, he added.

Singaporeans' average lifespan is almost 84 years. However, the average health span - the years spent in good health - lags behind at 75 years.

"Imagine if you retire at 65. You may have another 20 or more years ahead of you. How will you feel if much of that time is spent in and out of hospital, or in a wheelchair? It will be tough - not just for the individual, but for the family too," said PM Wong.

"So the key is to have both longer and healthier lives - ideally our health span should be closer to our lifespan."

Technology can help achieve this goal with early detection of diseases, and better and more effective treatment and cures for once life-threatening ailments such as cancer and heart disease.

But many effective interventions involve discipline in simple things such as cutting back on excessive salt and sugar, exercising regularly, and staying socially connected and mentally active, PM Wong said.

"In your 20s and 30s, you may feel invincible - like nothing can go wrong," he said.

"Even in your 40s, it's easy to think that you are still all right, and you can leave health matters for later. But the truth is, your quality of life when you are older depends on the actions you take today."