NHG Health Takes Major Steps in Diabetes Management

In a groundbreaking move, NHG Health is expanding access to crucial diabetic foot and eye screenings, aiming to boost early detection and better management for individuals living with diabetes.

Local Convenience Meets Comprehensive Care

Now, patients can conveniently access Diabetic Foot Screening (DFS) and Diabetic Retinal Photography (DRP) services right in their neighborhoods. This initiative, birthed from a collaboration between the Population Health campus, GPs in the Central-North Primary Care Network (CN-PCN), and community partners, is set to transform diabetes care in Singapore.

A Wake-Up Call: Diabetes's Grim Statistics

With approximately 1,500 diabetes-related amputations occurring each year—about four per day—and diabetes being a leading cause of blindness, early screening has never been more critical. Alarmingly, 33.9% of diabetes patients in Singapore experience diabetic retinopathy.

The Importance of Timely Intervention

Associate Professor Karen Ng, the driving force behind this initiative and the director of the Central-North Primary Care Network, emphasized the significance of timely interventions. "Early screening is vital in preventing severe complications such as amputations and retinopathy," she stated.

Bringing Services Closer to Home

To further enhance accessibility, NHG Health has partnered with local GPs and Active Ageing Centres, relocating screenings into the community. Patients will no longer need to face long commutes to receive essential screenings.

Making an Impact Since Launch

Launched in November 2023, this initiative has already seen over 700 patients benefiting from one-stop screening services. A network of 92 CN-PCN GP clinics is actively referring patients to 12 easily accessible screening locations, including Active Ageing Centres, Community Centres, and Resident Networks.

Join the Movement: Empowering Health for All

As NHG Health continues to innovate and strengthen community healthcare, it's clear that enhancing diabetic care is a top priority. This effort not only signals a commitment to health but also fosters a healthier, more informed community ready to tackle diabetes head-on.