As Singapore's population ages, efforts to extend healthy living have increasingly involved pharmacists playing a proactive role in preventive care. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung recently emphasized the importance of preventive, predictive, and personalized approaches to population health, a vision that aligns closely with the expanding responsibilities of pharmacists in the city-state.
Pharmacists are increasingly engaged in initiatives aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles among Singaporeans. These include assisting with smoking cessation, providing health coaching, and administering flu vaccinations at retail pharmacies. Since 2024, the Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore (PSS), in partnership with the National University of Singapore’s Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, has conducted health screenings during Pharmacy Week to help residents monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. These efforts are accompanied by personalized heart risk reports designed to facilitate further consultation with healthcare providers.
Extending these initiatives, the PSS-Omron Hypertension Atrial Fibrillation programme, operating across 30 retail pharmacies since June, has reached over 330 residents. Approximately two-thirds of participants were identified as having or being at risk for high blood pressure. Additionally, five individuals with potentially irregular heart rhythms were referred for further medical assessment.
According to the PSS, effective healthcare transcends technology by prioritizing clear communication of risks, addressing misconceptions, and supporting informed decision-making. Pharmacists also play a role in encouraging lifestyle modifications and advising on appropriate follow-up care. The society advocates stronger collaboration with primary care providers on risk assessment, medication optimization, vaccinations, adherence support, and prevention strategies.
Personalized medicine forms a key component of this approach. While genetics offers important insights into individual drug responses, factors such as age, body weight, kidney and liver function, concurrent medications, and comorbidities also influence treatment outcomes. The PSS has convened nearly 40 healthcare professionals to develop a position paper on integrating genetic information into routine prescribing practices.
In addition, person-centered care involves routinely reassessing the necessity of medications. A 2021 PSS study involving more than 1,000 patients and caregivers found openness to discontinuing medications when advised by physicians. Pharmacists actively collaborate with prescribers, patients, and caregivers to facilitate safe de-prescribing and ensure appropriate treatment throughout a patient’s life.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore emphasizes that precision population health relies on coordinated efforts between healthcare professionals and communities focused on individual needs. Pharmacists welcome enhanced partnerships to support Singaporeans in achieving longer, healthier, and more independent lives.