Singapore's population is ageing. Today there are 300,000 age 65 and above. By 2030 it is expected to go up to 900,000.
The Government is planning for more long term care facilities. It includes General Hospitals, Community hospitals, nursing homes and hospices.
1. Two new general hospitals, one at Jurong, the other at Changi are on the drawing board to cater for the sick.
2. Five new nursing homes. 300 beds will be reserved for patients with psychiatric problems. Patients suffering from schizophrenia, mental retardation or bipolar disorder. At the moment it was estimated that Singapore had 20,000 patients suffering from schizophrenia. ( disorders affecting the brain ). By 2020 or 2030 nobody has the estimates. Do we need to build more mental hospitals ?
3. Out of the five nursing homes, two with a total of 500 beds are for patients suffering from Dementia. ( brain damaged ) Today there are close to 20,000 patients. By 2020, the number of patients suffering from dementia will swell to 45,000.
4. To man the above medical facilities, an additional 4,500 medical professionals has to be trained.
This report seems frightening. What we are providing and planning are hospitals and homes to house and nurse the sick and mentally ill patients. What we should have is a study to see why Singapore is one of the top country, having the most brain related problems among it's people.
Questions :
1. Why 45,000 are estimated to be suffering from Dementia in time to come ?
2. Why 20,000 are having mental problems ? Whats the number in year 2020 or 2030 ?
What are the causes ?
1. Is it due to our ever changing education system ?
2. " Kiasu " attitude of both Authorities / parents forcing our kids to study and study ? nothing else ?
3. Stress, strain, competition and an ever rushing attitudes of our office workers ?
4. Challenging and always want to be ahead of others ?
What else ?
