Serving Underserved Communities in Singapore: Closing the Health Equity Gap

Health equity is still being worked on. Access to prompt, reasonably priced, and culturally competent treatment remains a challenge for certain groups of people.

In recent years, Singapore’s healthcare system has made major strides in accessibility, preventive care, and population health programs. Yet, health equity remains a work in progress. Some segments of the population still face barriers to timely, affordable, and culturally sensitive care. Clinics have an important role to play in bridging this gap, and entities like NEX Healthcare can provide support to make these efforts more effective. 

What “Undeserved Communities” Look Like in Singapore

Undeserved communities can include:

• Residents with lower household incomes who may face financial constraints, even with subsidies.

• Elderly living alone or socially isolated (e.g. in certain Housing Development [HDB] estates)

• Persons with language or cultural barriers (e.g. migrant workers, seniors less fluent in English)

• Populations with limited digital literacy, making telehealth or app-based services harder to access.

• Those with mobility or transportation challenges, making clinic visits difficult.

Current Efforts & Examples from Recent Reports

Here are some relevant local reports/news that illustrate both the need and what’s already happening:

1. “Healthcare providers must work with range of partners to build healthier communities: Masagos”, The Straits Times (2024)

2. WHO recognises Singapore as leader in helping patients by connecting them to community resources, The Straits Times (Nov 2024)

3. SingHealth Advance Population Health – HEAL Labs & CAPE Project

These examples show both the demand (elderly, socially isolated, etc.) and that multi-sector, community-oriented solutions are gaining traction.

Barriers Clinics Often Face When Trying to Serve Underserved Communities

Before clinics can meaningfully serve underserved groups, they often need to overcome:

• Financial challenges: even subsidies care may feel expensive; staffing, extra outreach costs, transportation subsidies.

• Awareness & trust: people may not know what services exist or may mistrust formal healthcare institutions. 

• Cultural/language barriers: different beliefs about health, lower health literacy.

• Physical accessibility: clinic location, transportation, mobility for elderly or disabled. 

• Digital divides: telehealth, app-based scheduling or reminders may not reach everyone.

What Clinics Can Do: Practical Strategies

Here are actionable steps clinics can take to bridge the gap:

1. Community Partnerships

   -Work with grassroots organisations, eldercare groups, places of worship to reach isolated people.

   -Use community

   
   

2. Mobile/Outreach Services

   -Mobile clinics or home-visit services for seniors, persons with mobility issues.

   -Screening or preventive care events in markets, community halls.

3. Culturally Sensitive Services

   -Provide materials (leaflets, signage) in multiple languages.

   -Train staff in cultural competence.

   -Adjust clinic hours to suit working populations.

   
   

4. Financial Assistance & Subsidies

   -Make sure patients are aware of government subsidies, CHAS (Community Health Assist Scheme), Medisave, etc.

   -Offer sliding scales or payment plans 

5. Reducing Digital Barriers

   -Offer assistance for appointment booking by phone or walk-in, not just apps.

   -For telehealth, ensure there are support staff to guide patients in using the tech.

   -Provide offline information and scheduling options.

6. Social Prescribing & Preventive Care

   -Connect patients to social resources (exercise groups, wellness programmes, counselling)

   -Promote preventive screenings in community settings.

7. Data-Driven Identification & Monitoring

   -Use local data to identify which neighbourhoods or demographic groups are underserved.

   -Monitor outreach & health outcomes to adjust strategy

How NEX Healthcare Can Help

NEX Healthcare can be a key enabler in these efforts. Here are ways we can assist:

• Clinic Operations and Outreach Planning

Assist in setting up clinic services, and scheduling logistics to reach underserved populations.

• Compliance & Regulatory Expertise Support clinics in navigating subsidy schemes, regulatory requirements for mobile/home services, privacy when dealing with vulnerable populations.
  

• Staff & Training Train staff in cultural competence, community engagement, and communication skills. Provide protocols for social prescribing.
  

• Partnership Facilitation Help clinics link up with community organisations to collaborate on outreach programmes.

 Conclusion

Health equity isn’t just a nice ideal – it’s essential for a healthy population, sustainable healthcare system, and social cohesion. Clinics can make a big difference by being proactive, creative, and community-oriented. With the right partnerships, data, and operational support, the gap between underserved and well-served populations can be narrowed significantly. 

NEX Healthcare stands ready as a partner to clinics that want to step up in this arena – helping with strategy, logistics, staffing, compliance, and technology to ensure underserved communities aren’t left behind.