Singapore’s Institute of Mental Health (IMH) will be renamed the National Centre for Mental Health Singapore in 2027 as part of a broader effort to modernize and expand psychiatric care in the country. The changes were announced by Health Minister Ong Ye Kung on October 10, coinciding with World Mental Health Day, signaling a shift in how mental health services are delivered and perceived nationwide.
The rebranding reflects a move away from the IMH’s traditional role as primarily a long-stay facility for psychiatric patients. Instead, the centre will take on a more comprehensive mandate akin to other national specialty institutions, such as those focused on cancer, cardiology, and ophthalmology. This includes leading research, coordinating psychiatric care across hospitals, and developing sector-wide capabilities.
The government plans to redevelop and expand the existing IMH facility in Buangkok into a larger, more modern hospital by 2040. In parallel, regional hospitals including Changi General Hospital, Woodlands Hospital, and Alexandra Hospital are enhancing their psychiatric services to supplement the central hub. This regional network is intended to improve access and support for mental health care closer to patients’ homes.
Minister Ong emphasized that prevention and early intervention are critical to addressing the rising prevalence of mental health issues in Singapore. He highlighted the necessity of building a stronger mental health ecosystem by sharing expertise and capabilities across primary care and community services. This approach aims to provide timely support and reduce the reliance on long-term institutional care.
Mental health advocate Anthea Ong echoed the call for a broader vision of the new centre’s role, stressing the importance of diverse leadership beyond clinical perspectives. She warned that preventive initiatives solely designed from a clinical standpoint risk missing key elements needed for effective community-based care.
In an effort to improve access for young people, the government will seek public feedback on parental consent requirements for mental health services. The Ministry of Health is formulating guidelines, while the Singapore Medical Council is revising ethical standards to give doctors clearer direction when treating minors. Currently, while community service providers often do not require parental consent for counseling, schools tend to request it due to their emphasis on family partnership.
Minister Ong noted that mental health challenges are increasing globally, especially among youth, and that stigma remains a significant barrier to seeking help. Young people often fear judgment from their social circles and worry about potential negative consequences for education, employment, or insurance. He stressed the importance of creating safe access points for youth to receive care, with family involvement introduced appropriately as treatment progresses.
To address these concerns, the minister called for inter-agency collaboration to limit unnecessary disclosure of mental health information and to ensure that seeking support does not become a source of discrimination or disadvantage. The government’s coordinated response aims to foster a more supportive environment for individuals facing mental health difficulties.