Singapore aims for 40% more mental health experts by 2030

They plan to add 900 more GP clinics in six years’ time.

Singapore is targeting to raise the number of its public sector psychiatrists and psychologists by up to 40% by 2030.

The country is also planning to introduce mental health services to all polyclinics, and 900 more GP clinics, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in a speech for the Motion on Advancing Mental Health

Wong further shared plans to increase capacity at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) and the Alexandra Hospital.

Singapore is also planning to increase capacity of long-term care facilities to provide step-down care for those who may require it.

“We will increase the number of public sector psychiatrists and psychologists by about 30% and 40%, respectively,” Wong said.

“We will equip and train an additional 28,000 frontline personnel and volunteers, they serve at our various community and social service touchpoints, so they can identify people struggling with mental health and offer early assistance,” he added.

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Currently, the Ministry of Education (MOE) is reportedly on track to achieve its goal of deploying more than 1,000 teacher-counselors across Singapore schools.

Wong added that the government will provide parents with resources to support their children’s mental health and well-being needs.

Singapore is also planning to establish more peer support networks, including in schools, Institutes of Higher Learning, workplaces, and amongst its national servicemen. 

These networks will reportedly have trained peer leaders who can spread the message on the importance of mental health, and provide a first line of response for their friends or colleagues who need help, Wong said.