SINGAPORE (June 13): Singapore has ranked fifth in a 13-country survey by Netherlands-based health technology provider Royal Philips exploring how countries around the world are positioned to meet long-term global health challenges.

Examining the perceptions, behaviours and attitudes of some 25,355 patients and 2,659 healthcare professionals, the inaugural Future Health Index (FHI) focused on countries’ access to healthcare, integration of the current health system, and adoption of connected care technology.

With a score of 57.7 out of a possible 100 points, Singapore is ranked fifth, ahead of advanced economies such as the US, UK, Sweden and Japan. The republic’s score was also higher than the 13-country average of 56.5 points.

The United Arab Emirates was ranked top in the survey with 65.3 points, followed by the Netherlands, China, and Australia with 58.9, 58.1, and 57.9 points, respectively.

Germany, Brazil, and Japan received the lowest scores in terms of readiness, at 54.5, 50.6 and 49.0 points, respectively.

“The Future Health Index has uncovered significant insights into the key concerns of both patients and healthcare professionals in Singapore. In particular, the aging population emerged as a cause for concern among Singaporeans surveyed,” says Fabian Wong, CEO of Philips ASEAN Pacific.

“While Singapore has done well in providing access to healthcare, we need to focus more on driving the integration of our health system and the adoption of connected care technology if we are to provide a healthcare system that is responsive to the modern and evolving needs of a growing, and aging population,” Wong adds.

Some 58% of patients and 78% of healthcare professionals in Singapore said the country’s ageing population is the most important challenge today.