SATA CommHealth, an established charitable medical healthcare provider in Singapore, is set to host their inaugural “HERE TO CARE, for the Health of Migrant Workers 2024” conference on 26 September 2024, at Holiday Inn Atrium, Singapore. This first-ever event underscores SATA CommHealth’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the well-being of migrant workers in Singapore through innovative healthcare solutions, comprehensive support and partnerships.
Under the theme “Here to Care” the conference will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders, to address pressing issues facing migrant workers in Singapore. Central to the agenda are insightful panel discussions, keynote presentations, and interactive sessions designed to foster collaboration and explore sustainable healthcare initiatives for migrant workers.
Mr. Tan Boon Gin, Chairman of SATA CommHealth said, “Hosting this inaugural migrant workers conference serves as a vital platform for all of us in the industry to come together, share best practices, and engage in constructive dialogue. It’s an opportunity to drive tangible improvements in healthcare delivery for migrant workers in Singapore, ensuring they receive the compassionate care and support they deserve. At SATA CommHealth, we are actively exploring various initiatives and partnerships aimed at enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality for migrant workers. We hope that this conference will be a catalyst for innovation, sparking new ideas and collaborations that will further elevate the standards of care for this essential workforce.”
Conference Highlights: New Migrant Workers Rehabilitation Programme
The highlight of the conference will be the launch of the Functional Health Programme, a new rehabilitation service developed in partnership with MigrantWell Singapore, an initiative of the Singapore Business Federation Foundation. SATA CommHealth’s Community Programmes Department tailored this initiative specifically for migrant workers suffering from musculoskeletal disorders, a common issue in this workforce. The programme includes comprehensive physiotherapy services and innovative AI-assisted workout programmes, in partnership with EliteFit.AI, a Singapore-based AI company that has developed an AI-driven virtual personal trainer for both physiotherapy and fitness. With SATA CommHealth serving half of Singapore’s migrant workers and operating in three out of six zones, the programme aims to provide essential therapy services through a rotating team of rehabilitation professionals, ensuring daily access to quality care.
In Singapore, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) accounted for 60% (1,000 cases) of all confirmed occupational diseases from 2019-2021, according to the Ministry of Manpower’s Workplace Safety and Health National Statistics Report 2021. This high prevalence underscores the critical need for specialised rehabilitation services to address the health challenges faced by migrant workers.
Programme Benefits:
- Comprehensive Physiotherapy Services: Provides treatment for musculoskeletal pain and injuries, including issues related to the back, neck, knee, hands, or shoulders. These services are vital for addressing specific health issues arising from physically demanding work environments.
- Health Maintenance and Education: Empowers migrant workers with the knowledge and skills to prevent further injuries and maintain overall well-being through educational outreach initiatives.
- Access to Healthcare: Ensures that workers receive the care they need without having to choose between their health and their livelihood, enabling them to continue financially supporting their families back home.
- Reducing Occupational Health Risks: Preventive care and early intervention through rehabilitation services can mitigate long-term health impacts of WRMSD.
The programme is currently in its pre-pilot phase, focusing on assessing the specific rehabilitation needs of migrant workers and developing strategies for delivering these services effectively. It aims to ensure that the services do not affect their work hours, productivity, or financial incentives. This initiative seeks to enhance the health and well-being of migrant workers by providing essential support to help them manage and recover from work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Dr. Cheryl Latha Glenn, Medical Director and Overall Lead for Clinical/Medical Services & Advisor for Migrant Workers Healthcare & Programmes of SATA CommHealth said, “At SATA CommHealth, our journey is marked by a steadfast commitment to transforming healthcare for migrant workers. We recognise the unique challenges they face and are dedicated to overcoming them through innovative solutions and compassionate care. Our journey reflects a dedication to accessible, quality healthcare that transcends barriers, ensuring every individual receives the support they deserve, ultimately creating a healthier and more equitable future for all.”
In addition to the existing services, SATA CommHealth also provides holistic healthcare services to migrant workers, in areas of physical, social and mental health.
- Medical: General practice, health screening, and diagnostic imaging services at SATA CommHealth’s medical centres for migrant workers
- Physical: Rehabilitation services for musculoskeletal pain and injuries such as back, neck, knee, hands, or shoulders
- Social: In collaboration with HealthServe, providing social support, social aids and casework assistance for issues such as financial and medical problems
- Mental: In collaboration with HealthServe, to providing mental health training, education and counselling relating to anxiety, trauma, and suicidal ideation
- Technology: Introduction of tele-consultation and medication via the SATA app, and therapy exercises assisted by AI motion tracking on migrant workers’ mobile devices in partnership with EliteFit.AI
SATA CommHealth’s collaboration with HealthServe extends to providing physiotherapy services at HealthServe’s Health Carnivals, which are hosted at dormitories and recreation centres. Commenting on the collaboration, Mr Jeffrey Chua, Head of Mental Health Training and Community Outreach at HealthServe Ltd said, “Our partnership with SATA CommHealth has strengthened our combined ability to provide accessible and holistic care to migrant workers across the island. SATA CommHealth’s physiotherapy expertise has not only helped provide critical on-the-ground pain assessment and relief to the migrant workers who attend our outreach initiatives, but helped promote overall health-seeking behaviour in the community overall.”
Panel Discussion and Programme line-up
The conference will also feature a panel discussion with esteemed speakers, including Dr. Kelvin Phua, CEO of SATA CommHealth, alongside industry experts such as Dr. Marcus Lee, Deputy Medical Director of Fullerton Health, and Dr. Matthias Wee, Head of St. Andrew’s Migrant Worker Medical Centre. They will engage in insightful conversations addressing critical issues concerning migrant workers.
Discussions throughout the day will explore other topics, such as the evolving healthcare landscape for migrant workers, the burgeoning importance of mental health support, occupational health considerations, preventive care strategies, and the role of innovation and technology in telemedicine. For the full list of programmes and speaking sessions throughout the conference, visithttps://sataevents.com/our-programmes/.
Keynote speaker, Dr Arvind Kasthuri, Chief of Medical Services & Professor, Department of Community Health of St John’s Medical College & Hospital, Bengaluru India shared, “Understanding diversity in healthcare for migrant workers requires a global perspective that acknowledges and respects their varied backgrounds and needs. Effective healthcare solutions must be inclusive and culturally sensitive. Embracing the inherent diversity in the migrant population enriches our approach, ensuring that healthcare systems are equitable and responsive to all. By incorporating varied perspectives and innovative methods, we can better tackle the distinct challenges faced by migrant communities. The goal of organisations working in this area must be to create a more inclusive and thorough healthcare environment that truly supports migrant workers worldwide.”
New initiative: SATA CommHealth’s Primary Care Plan (PCP) Plus Plan
As part of their ongoing commitment to supporting migrant workers, SATA CommHealth has introduced the PCP Plus Plan, a new initiative designed to enhance the healthcare services provided to this community. The PCP Plus plan includes essential functional care elements such as pain management education and ergonomics workplace safety. To further improve service efficiency and address language challenges for new migrant workers, SATA CommHealth will also introduce a comprehensive and accessible AI workout programme in collaboration with EliteFit.AI.
Since April 2022, SATA CommHealth and three other anchor operators have played a pivotal role in operating six zones islandwide, equipped to deliver pandemic-ready healthcare services to migrant workers. SATA CommHealth manages three medical centres for migrant workers and two clinics in dormitories, providing a PCP to work permit workers in Zones B, C, and D. The other three anchor operators manage clinics in Zones A, E, and F. Currently, SATA CommHealth has registered over 260,000 migrant workers under the Primary Care System.
A PCP is mandatory for Work Permit holders (excluding MDWs) and S Pass holders who stay in dormitories or work in the Construction, Marine Shipyard, or Process (CMP) sectors. These efforts align closely with the Ministry of Manpower’s PCP, mandated for CMP workers, emphasising accessible healthcare services and enhancing overall well-being.
To find out more about the conference, please visit https://sataevents.com/. For more information, visit www.sata.com.sg.
Images: SATA CommHealth
