Singapore's SCH Becomes First WHO Collaborating Centre for Social Prescribing

Healthy ageing goes beyond merely increasing life expectancy it focuses on empowering individuals to achieve and engage in what they value most. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines healthy ageing as 'the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables well-being in older age.' Functional ability is influenced by an individual's intrinsic capacity, the features of their environment, and the dynamic interaction between them. Therefore, fostering supportive environments where older adults can thrive is crucial for healthy ageing.

Social prescribing a model connecting individuals to non-clinical community services has emerged as a critical tool for addressing social determinants of health, loneliness, mental health, and social inclusion. In Singapore, this approach is gaining momentum, fostering a continuum of care for patients while helping them rediscover their sense of purpose and build meaningful connections through active community engagement. 

SingHealth Community Hospitals (SCH) has made history by becoming the first WHO Collaborating Centre (WHO CC) for Social Prescribing under its Office of Community Education & Engagement (OCEAN). Announced during the Asia Pacific Population Health Conference, this appointment reflects SCH’s groundbreaking work in integrating social prescribing into healthcare since 2019. 

The Minister of Health, Mr Ong Ye Kung, began his speech by stating, “It has been known since time immemorial that our health is driven by social and environmental factors, more so than healthcare and medicines”. He emphasised the importance of addressing the social determinants of health and acknowledged the role that social prescribing plays in the national strategy, Healthier SG, to promote and encourage preventive care.

Over the past five years, SCH has collaborated closely with WHO to co-develop resources for the public, including a toolkit for implementing social prescribing and WHO’s online course. These initiatives have positioned SCH as a global leader in social prescribing, enhancing the capacity of the general public as well as the health and social care workforce

“This recognition underscores Singapore’s leadership in bridging healthcare and social services to address the root causes of health disparities,” said Associate Professor Gan Wee Hoe, SCH CEO“.As a WHO Collaborating Centre, we are eager to support Member States in adopting social prescribing to enhance patient outcomes and community well-being”.

Social prescribing reimagines healthcare by addressing not just medical issues but also social and emotional needs. SCH has trained 120 well-being coordinators, who play a pivotal role in linking patients to community resources after hospital discharge.

“Sometimes, the underlying issue is loneliness”, said Associate Professor Lee Kheng Hock, SCH Deputy CEO (Education and Community Partnerships). “By understanding what matters most to individuals, we can connect them with activities and support networks that reduce isolation and improve their quality of life”.

This approach is supported by WHO’s Regional Action Plan on Healthy Ageing, which promotes community-based integrated care. As an affiliate of the Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities, Singapore exemplifies how innovative approaches can foster age-friendly environments, empowering older adults to remain active and connected.

As a WHO Collaborating Centre, SCH will focus on two key pillars to advance community-based integrated care via social prescribing:

Knowledge sharing and generation, Contribute to the development of technical products and conduct research to generate evidence that supports informed policymaking.

Increasing competencies, Facilitate capacity-building workshops on social prescribing and enhance capacities for practicum and in-person applied learning.

Singapore’s efforts extend beyond the health sector, involving partnerships with non-health sectors such as the National Arts Council and Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth. The collaboration with the National Arts Council explores how arts-based programmes and Active Ageing Centres can enhance well-being among older people, contributing to global knowledge sharing on arts impact on health and well-being.

“WHO is committed to supporting innovative approaches like social prescribing, which address health holistically by considering the social and environmental factors that shape well-being”, adds Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe, WHO Representative to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore. “Through its role as a WHO Collaborating Centre, SingHealth Community Hospitals will contribute significantly to advancing healthy ageing not only in Singapore but across the Western Pacific Region and beyond”.

As Singapore leads the way in integrating health and social care, the appointment of SCH as a WHO Collaborating Centre symbolizes a global movement toward person-centered, integrated health system. By sharing evidence, tools, and best practices, SCH and WHO are paving the way for healthier, more resilient communities worldwide.