The Singapore Ministry of Health has recently announced an investment of 200 million SGD (approximately 150 million USD), aiming to extensively promote new artificial intelligence technologies within the national healthcare system over the next five years. This new investment will be channeled into the Health Innovation Fund, intended to support the development and pilot testing of technological innovations, and to facilitate their scaled application throughout the system.
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One of the most notable projects is the generative AI (genAI) initiative, which plans to implement automated medical record updates in the public healthcare system by the end of 2025. The Ministry of Health states that the introduction of this technology will help automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks such as document processing and medical record summarization.
In addition to generative AI, the Ministry will also validate medical imaging AI for assisting in breast cancer detection. The promotion of this technology will be part of the national subsidized screening program, gradually rolled out from the end of 2025.
Singapore is actively integrating and promoting the use of generative AI models and applications within its healthcare system, with all projects receiving government support. Last year, the national health technology agency Synapxe expanded its collaboration with Microsoft to develop the "Secure GPT" platform, providing a public platform for healthcare professionals to develop large language models and generative AI applications. Meanwhile, the National University Health System also introduced the large language model-based chatbot NUHSUSSELL-GPT, capable of quickly summarizing patient records and drafting referral letters. Additionally, Singapore General Hospital is researching the application of generative AI in pre-surgical assessments.
The Ministry of Health is also promoting the adoption of medical imaging AI through the national radiology AI platform AimSG launched last year. This platform is a neutral vendor platform allowing public hospitals to integrate verified AI into their operations. Currently, two hospitals under SingHealth have adopted AI for chest X-ray analysis, and the National Healthcare Group is conducting pilot tests within its clusters.
In addition to announcing a new round of AI investments, the Ministry of Health also revealed plans to launch a national genetic testing program by mid-next year, initially focusing on familial hypercholesterolemia. Furthermore, the Ministry stated that it will improve national governance over the use of AI in healthcare to ensure the development and deployment of more AI solutions while maintaining safe and reliable patient care.
Key Points:
🩺 The Singapore Ministry of Health is investing 200 million SGD to promote AI applications in public healthcare.
📈 Plans to achieve automated medical record updates by the end of 2025 and to promote breast cancer detection AI.
🔬 Simultaneously launching a national genetic testing program, initially targeting familial hypercholesterolemia.