Serious Many Pappys don't like OngYK..not Team player.

[jw5]

from msn.com:

Ong Ye Kung: Over 2,600 in S’pore booked to get Novavax vaccine — Novavax benefits those not suitable for mRNA vaccine​

Mr Ong Ye Kung, Singapore’s Minister of Health, marked the opening of the first five Joint Testing and Vaccination Centres (JTVC) in a Facebook post on Tuesday (May 24). He also wrote that over 2,600 people in Singapore have booked to receive the first dose of Novavax’s Nuvaxovid COVID-19 vaccine. The first shipment of the US-based Novavax vaccine arrived on May 4, and Mr Ong noted that “many who are not suitable for mRNA vaccine have” benefitted from it.

The Novavax vaccine has been considered a game-changer for two reasons: First, since it uses older technologies, it can help overcome hesitancy among those wary of mRNA vaccines or those who have been medically advised against them. Secondly, Novavax’s latest trials show that it has fewer and less serious side effects, which means a faster recovery time from the shots. For people who cannot afford to miss work, this could add additional incentives for getting vaccinated.

Unlike Pfizer and Moderna’s mRNA vaccines, Novavax uses an “older, more familiar science” that was also used in the development of vaccines for Hepatitis B and whooping cough (part of the vaccines administered to children).

The vaccine is produced by developing an engineered virus that contains a gene for a modified spike protein of the virus responsible for Covid-19.

In June of last year, Mr Ong said Singapore had put in an advance order for the vaccine, saying he hoped it would arrive before 2021 ended.

Novavax announced on Jun 14, 2021, that the vaccine had a 93.2 per cent efficacy against Covid-19 variants of concern and variants of interest identified by then, and that for other Covid-19 variants known at the time, the vaccine showed 100 per cent efficacy. It also showed a 91 per cent efficacy in high-risk populations.

The vaccine’s overall efficacy is an impressive 90.4 per cent, and had been touted as a “better” vaccine than others.

Mr Ong also explained in his post that the JTVCs are able to administer up to 4,500 vaccinations and some 2,000 ART/PCR tests a day, adding that five more centres will be ready by the end of next month.

“Some 130 have received the first dose of their primary series and about 550 were boosted with Nuvaxovid as of 23 May. As of noon, more than 2,600 people have booked an appointment to receive the vaccine.

Let’s continue to protect ourselves,” Mr Ong wrote.

“With these joint centres, we can return community clubs back to the community, and yet we stand prepared for any rapid changes in the COVID-19 situation,” he wrote.

 

[jw5]

OYK misses outdoor table tennis.

Ong Ye Kung​

2 hrs ·
On my way back home, after my first and fruitful trip to Geneva, Switzerland for the World Health Assembly.
Multilateral platforms such as the World Health Organization (WHO) are very diverse, with complex and long-drawn processes. Yet they are our best chance for the global community to collaborate, and preserve and uphold the common good for humankind.
I met with many of my counterparts and colleagues in public health during the trip, to exchange views, learn and prepare for the next wave, variant and pandemic.
Also made a trip to IMD Business School where I did my MBA back in 1999, and spoke to the students. Missed the outdoor table tennis table.

 

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OYK has a meal with some friends.

 

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OYK has lunch with some friends.

 

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OYK has lunch with a different group of friends.

 

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OYK shakes hands with a baldman.

 

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OYK takes an unmasked photo.

 

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OYK shares a joke.

 

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OYK poses with a tall baldman.

 

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OYK has a glass of water.

 

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OYK represents Singapour.

 

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OYK visits his old school.

 

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OYK takes a photo with many people.

 

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OYK takes a photo of himself in his room.

 

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OYK discusses monkeypox.

Ong Ye Kung​

28 May at 16:05 ·
Over 200 cases of #monkeypox have been detected in over 20 countries. It is a virus that has likely jumped from animals, such as rodents, to human beings, in certain regions of Africa.
It has generated much interest, including at the World Health Assembly that I recently attended, as the disease is no longer a rare disease confined to certain places in Africa, but is being passed from humans to other humans in many parts of the world.
In other words, the cat is out of the bag.
In the coming weeks, we should not be surprised if it is detected in Singapore, as our people travel widely and we are a commercial and international hub. Thankfully we have in place the necessary protocols and public health measures, triggered by an imported case in 2019.
Monkeypox is very unlikely to be a pandemic like COVID-19. It is transmitted mostly by close physical contact, and not airborne like COVID-19, which transmits more quickly and widely.
For example, if you are very close to someone with rash lesions due to monkeypox, you can be infected.
The incubation period is about 1-3 weeks, and symptoms can last for 2-4 weeks. It usually, but not always, starts with a fever and chills, headache and muscle ache, and swollen lymph nodes. The typical monkeypox rash lesions then develops around the face/mouth or genital areas, before the rash spreads all over the body. It may look like a common chickenpox rash to the layperson and therefore review by a doctor is important. It can cause severe illness and deaths in a small percentage of patients.
Anyone with a new unexplained rash, even if you have not travelled recently, should see a doctor immediately to be examined, so that a diagnosis can be made and early treatment started. Most often it is due to another common disease like chickenpox, but if you have monkeypox, then you can receive appropriate care and prevent spread to people around you.
As for the general public, avoid close contact with individuals who are unwell with fever or have a pox-like rash. It is always good to maintain high standards of personal hygiene at all times, including washing of hands with soap before touching your face.
Photo credit: Reuters

 

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

Monkeypox unlikely to be a pandemic, but cases could be detected in S'pore in coming weeks: Ong Ye Kung​

SINGAPORE - Monkeypox is very unlikely to be a pandemic like Covid-19, but Singapore should not be surprised if the virus is detected here, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said on Saturday (May 28).

In a Facebook post, he said: "In the coming weeks, we should not be surprised if (monkeypox) is detected in Singapore, as our people travel widely and we are a commercial and international hub.

"Thankfully, we have in place the necessary protocols and public health measures, triggered by an imported case in 2019."

Monkeypox is an infectious disease usually transmitted to humans by animals, and it has been on the rise globally.

Mr Ong noted how monkeypox has generated much interest, including at the World Health Assembly that he recently attended.

He said the disease is no longer a rare disease confined to certain places in Africa, but is being passed from humans to other humans in many parts of the world.

Clusters of cases have emerged in Europe and North America in recent weeks, which is considered unusual as monkeypox is not often seen outside western and central Africa.

In his post, Mr Ong reassured the public that monkeypox is unlikely to be a pandemic like Covid-19, as it is transmitted mostly by close physical contact and not airborne like the coronavirus.

"For example, if you are very close to someone with rash lesions due to monkeypox, you can be infected," he said, elaborating on the incubation period and typical symptoms of the disease.

The minister advised that anyone with a new unexplained rash should see a doctor immediately to be examined, even if they have not travelled recently, so they can be diagnosed and receive treatment early.

"Most often it is due to another common disease like chickenpox, but if you have monkeypox, then you can receive appropriate care and prevent spread to people around you," he said.

"As for the general public, avoid close contact with individuals who are unwell with fever or have a pox-like rash. It is always good to maintain high standards of personal hygiene at all times, including washing of hands with soap before touching your face."

 

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

Employee welfare key to improving population health: Ong Ye Kung​

SINGAPORE - Enhancing the welfare of employees is one key way in which companies can work with the Government to improve the health of the nation, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said on Monday (May 30).

Businesses can also play an important role in the areas of producing healthier food and developing digital solutions that enhance preventive care, he added.

Mr Ong was speaking at the launch of the European Chamber of Commerce's (EuroCham) Whitebook On The Future Of Healthcare And Wellbeing, held at the Grand Hyatt Singapore hotel on Monday.

The book outlines the steps needed over the next few years for a more sustainable future for the health and well-being of Singapore.

Mr Ong said the book was a "most timely publication", as it comes after the Ministry of Health's (MOH) announcement of a major reform of Singapore's healthcare system, known as HealthierSG.

The HealthierSG initiative involves a shift in national focus towards preventive care.

Mr Ong said that unlike acute care, preventive care needs to be a sustained effort, and if done early enough, can be easy, affordable and even enjoyable.

It also takes place at home, and among friends and companions, he said.

"Because of these differences, patients have become consumers and vice versa when it comes to preventive care.

"I therefore believe preventive care opens up far more opportunities for innovation and participation by enterprises and industries, and we have a great opportunity to build a strong public-private-people partnership for health," said Mr Ong.

He highlighted three areas that companies can participate in.

First, enhancing the welfare of employees. Noting that a healthier workforce is more productive, Mr Ong said the workplace is a very important part of people's social circles, and a natural touchpoint to encourage people to change their habits.

He added that MOH has worked with companies over the years to put in place various workplace wellness programmes, but that some of these had been disrupted because of the pandemic.

"With employees now returning to workplaces, I hope companies will double down on reintroducing many of these programmes for self-care, fitness and wellness," he said, adding that he hoped companies would encourage employees to enrol in the HealthierSG programme when it is rolled out next year.

Second, the area of food. Mr Ong noted that some people have the wrong perception that healthy food needs to be expensive or unenjoyable.

"All these are wrong. The best food intervention for the majority of us, and in Singapore particularly, is to simply cut down salt, sugar and oil. And by doing so, you can avoid serious chronic illnesses like high blood pressure, heart diseases and diabetes," he said.

So MOH will work with businesses to help people adjust their cooking and eating habits by increasing the range and variety of lower-sodium salt, sauces and seasonings.

Producers of beverages are also reformulating their drinks to cut down on sugar content, and incorporating suitable labels to guide consumers on their choices.

Mr Ong added that Singapore should also see a more affordable range of plant-based foods, which he acknowledged are currently more expensive than their non-plant-based counterparts.

But he said that he hopes prices will moderate over time as more plant-based meats make their way to local supermarkets and restaurants.

Third, developing digital solutions to enhance preventive care, by helping people regulate their exercise, sleep and so on.

Mr Ong said that exercise need not be expensive and unaffordable, requiring coaches and personal trainers.

"It is really about standing instead of sitting, taking the stairs, going for regular brisk walks or jogs or cycling trips, cutting back on our device time... and leading a much less sedentary lifestyle," he said, adding that the biggest determinant of exercise is personal initiative and discipline.

Noting that Singapore's National Steps Challenge had been a success because it was enabled by technology, Mr Ong said there has recently been an "explosion" of digital apps to enhance preventive care.

Some companies have also developed digital solutions to remotely monitor patients, including a sensor placed under the skin of diabetic patients to monitor their glucose levels.

"If we can incorporate all these innovations with an overarching national preventive care and promotional effort, we can make great strides in enhancing population health," he said.

Emphasising the importance of EuroCham as a stakeholder and partner of Singapore, he said: "I look forward to forging an even stronger partnership with you on HealthierSG."

 

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

Covid-19 enabled changes in healthcare tech, and trust is key in ensuring continued progress: Panel​

SINGAPORE - The Covid-19 pandemic has been a major enabler of technology in healthcare, and societies should leverage the momentum to continue expanding the sector's use of digital solutions, a panel of experts said on Tuesday (May 31).

They added that trust, among other things, is crucial to keep progressing in this area.

The panel comprised Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, his Malaysian counterpart Khairy Jamaluddin, chief financial officer of Doctor Anywhere Edwin Basuki, and Ms Jessica Tan, co-chief executive of financial services firm Ping An Group from China.


"Many of the things that were hitherto not possible before Covid-19 now can be done, and they can be done because of digital tools," said Mr Ong at this year's Asia Tech x Singapore summit at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore.

He cited telemedicine, which he said is now well accepted here, as well as Singapore's database of people who have been vaccinated against and tested for the coronavirus.

Referring to how Malaysia's MySejahtera app has been downloaded about 30 million times, Mr Khairy said: "(We) would never ever have had a population roll-out of an app if it wasn't for Covid-19."

The panellists said such digital solutions will continue to play important roles in societies.

Ms Tan said there is always demand for cheaper and faster healthcare service, as well as more qualified healthcare professionals.

She added that technology can help with these demands, not by replacing doctors, but by improving accessibility of healthcare for many.

For instance, she said, Ping An Group last year launched an online butler service to help care for elderly folk in China who live alone. It reminds them to exercise and look after themselves.

Technology can also support doctors with their work, added Ms Tan.

She said that while there are about 1.4 billion people in China, there are only 3.8 million doctors.

"That's clearly not enough," she added.

So her company has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) system that functions as a mental map of how diseases should be diagnosed.

This clinical support system has improved the accuracy of doctors' diagnoses, she said.

Mr Basuki said his company is thinking of ways technology can be used in secondary and tertiary care, which he hopes people will be more receptive to.

"At the end of the day, healthcare is highly personal to everyone... trust is incredibly important," he said.

He noted that despite being a telemedicine provider, Doctor Anywhere needed to have physical clinics to gain credibility and patients' trust.

Mr Khairy hopes to ensure people's efforts and desire to stay healthy, which gained prominence amid the pandemic, continue beyond it.

He intends to move childhood immunisation records to the MySejahtera app, and allow people to use it to book health screening appointments.

For that to happen, he said, people need to trust it. The government must also ensure the app is interoperable with other systems.

Mr Ong said that the Singapore Government intends to harness digital solutions to enhance its HealthierSG initiative, and ensure any technology used is compatible with other apps and wearables on the market.

HealthierSG is a plan for the reform of Singapore’s healthcare system that will see a focus on preventive care.

Mr Ong added that it is key that government policy supports innovation.

Noting the importance of partnering with the private sector, Mr Ong said: "Central to all this is trust... in something like healthcare, trust is not developed by digital solutions.

"We have to be quite clear on that. If you let a digital relationship replace your analogue and emotional relationship, you're in trouble."

Adding that trust must be built based on human relationships, Mr Ong said that if primary care providers are successful in building trust with their patients, they may end up with so many patients, they need help caring for them.

He added: "That's where digital solutions come in, the apps come in, the wearables, the diagnostic tools... to help the doctor build trust and prevent the patient from falling sick.

"That's how we should think about it. The industry will definitely have to play a big role in building trust, and keeping people healthy."

 

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OYK met Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno.

Ong Ye Kung​

3 hrs ·
Met Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, this morning.
We had coffee at the Indonesian restaurant, and I was very impressed that Pak Sandi can smell the coffee and pinpoint where the beans came from in Indonesia!
We had a good discussion on how tourism is closely related to health measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the situation stabilising in our countries, it is opportune to promote tourism and people-to-people exchanges between our countries.
Pak Sandi invited me to go diving in Raja Ampat, looking forward to having that opportunity!

 

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OYK hosted Malaysia’s Minister of Health, Yang Berhormat Tuan Khairy Jamaluddin, or Minister KJ, at the Ministry of Health, Singapore.

Ong Ye Kung​

3 hrs ·
This morning, I hosted my counterpart, Malaysia’s Minister of Health, Yang Berhormat Tuan Khairy Jamaluddin, or Minister KJ, at the Ministry of Health, Singapore – to reciprocate his hospitality extended to me in KL recently.
The SGH area is no stranger to Minister KJ – he used to study in Singapore. He told me he liked the conserved College of Medicine Building.
We continued our discussion from yesterday’s lively panel discussion at the Asia Tech x Singapore Summit – rethinking healthcare, and the digitalisation of healthcare.
This is a massive undertaking. The digital transformation journey will not be easy, but necessary to transform delivery of healthcare.