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Singapore: Ministry of Health launches new identity for national health tech agency and priorities for healthcare ecosystem

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In brief

On 27 July 2023, the Ministry of Health announced the rebranding of Singapore’s health tech agency, formerly known as the Integrated Health Information Systems (IHiS), to Synapxe.

The Ministry of Health also outlined five key priorities of Synapxe, namely: (i) national repository for patients’ medical records; (ii) system for remote healthcare; (iii) national billing system; (iv) strong cyber and data security; and (v) looking into the future and exploring possibilities, such as generative artificial intelligence (AI).

In more detail

Background

IHiS was formed by the Ministry of Health 15 years ago to improve Singapore’s health system interoperability and integration, and to derive scale and efficiencies in information technology (IT) operations. The agency supports the operations of public health institutions and partners in the community such as community hospitals, nursing homes and general practitioners.

Strategic priorities of the national health tech agency

On 27 July 2023, the Ministry of Health announced the launch of IHiS’ new identity, Synapxe. Like IHiS, Synapxe will ensure that patient medical records, data, care and medication, and healthcare subsidies and assistance can flow seamlessly throughout Singapore’s healthcare ecosystem.

With the launch of IHiS’ new identity, the Ministry of Health outlined the five key priorities of Synapxe to facilitate it in connecting and integrating Singapore’s entire healthcare ecosystem.

1. National repository for patients’ medical records

The National Electronic Health Record (NEHR) is a central digital repository of patients’ summary health records. It removes the need for patients to bring their physical records when in between clinics. This is useful in cases where a patient is admitted to a hospital for an emergency. You may read our previous newsletter discussing the compulsory use of the NEHR here.

Moving forward, Synapxe will be considering how to fully integrate patients’ data throughout the Singapore healthcare ecosystem. Certain situations may still not yet be covered by the NEHR, such as patients being unable to access private hospital tests in the NEHR.

The Ministry of Health also stated that these issues would be resolved when and if the Health Information Act is implemented next year. You may read our previous newsletter on the developments on the Health Information Bill here.

2. System for remote healthcare

The Ministry of Health also recognized that telehealth is a key enabler for primary care, as care would be able to be delivered without the patient being physically before the doctor.

Synapxe is working with the national healthcare supply chain agency to develop the National Central Fill Pharmacy (NCFP), which aims to centralize the fulfilment of medication offsite, before it is delivered to the patients. Another major initiative by Synapxe is the National Harmonised Integrated Pharmacy System (NHIPS), which aims to consolidate existing legacy systems into a single pharmacy system for harmonized medication dispensing. Both of these initiatives will serve as key enablers for telehealth in Singapore.

3. National billing system

The Ministry of Health intends for Synapxe to start working on a unified national health billing system, at least for the public sector. This would allow transparency of costs and subsidies and enable adjustments to be made quickly and efficiently.

4. Strong cyber and data security

While the Ministry of Health had, together with IHiS, established a multi-layered defense to protect public healthcare systems and data assets resulting in a three-fold increase of cybersecurity measures and capabilities over the past five years, it recognizes that this area is not static and threats are evolving. Synapxe has to keep updated on the latest developments.

5. Looking into the future

The final priority is to explore the many possibilities in the healthcare sector, such as generative AI. If such possibilities are thoughtfully deployed in a more deliberate and systemic way, this would improve the overall productivity, effectiveness and competence of healthcare workers. However, the Ministry of Health has postured that the use of generative AI may not cause major upheaval in the healthcare sector given the strict sector-specific regulations.

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Andy Leck is the head of the Intellectual Property and Technology (IPTech) Practice Group and a member of the Dispute Resolution Practice Group in Singapore. He is a core member of Baker McKenzie's regional IP practice and also leads the Myanmar IP Practice Group. Andy is recognised by reputable global industry and legal publications as a leader in his field. He was named on "The A-List: Singapore's Top 100 lawyers" by Asia Business Law Journal 2018. In addition, Chambers Asia Pacific notes that Andy is "a well-known IP practitioner who is highlighted for his record of handling major trade mark litigation, as well as commercial exploitation of IP rights in the media and technology sectors. He's been in the industry for a long time and has always been held in high regard. He is known to be very fair and is someone you would like to be in the trenches with you during negotiations." Furthermore, Asian Legal Business acknowledges Andy as a leading practitioner in his field and notes that he “always gives good, quick advice, [is] client-focused and has strong technical knowledge for his areas of practice.” Andy was appointed by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) as an IP Adjudicator to hear disputes at IPOS for a two-year term from April 2021. He has been an appointed member of the Singapore Copyright Tribunal since May 2010 and a mediator with the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center. He is also appointed as a Notary Public & Commissioner for Oaths in Singapore. He previously served on the International Trademark Association’s Board of Directors and was a member of the executive committee.

Author

Ren Jun Lim is a principal with Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow. He represents local and international clients in both contentious and non-contentious intellectual property matters. He also advises on a full range of healthcare, as well as consumer goods-related legal and regulatory issues. Ren Jun co-leads Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow's Healthcare as well as Consumer Goods & Retail industry groups. He sits on the Law Society of Singapore IP Committee and on the Executive Committee of the Association of Information Security Professionals. He is also a member of the Vaccines Working Group, Singapore Association of Pharmaceutical Industries, a member of the International Trademark Association, as well as a member of the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Association. Ren Jun is ranked in the Silver tier for Individuals: Enforcement and Litigation and Individuals: Prosecution and Strategy, and a recommended lawyer for Individuals: Transactions by WTR 1000, 2020. He is also listed in Asia IP's Best 50 IP Expert, 2020, recognised as a Rising Star by Managing IP: IP Stars, 2019 and one of Singapore's 70 most influential lawyers aged 40 and under by Singapore Business Review, 2016. Ren Jun was acknowledged by WTR 1000 as a "trademark connoisseur who boasts supplementary knowledge of regulatory issues in the consumer products industry." He was also commended by clients for being "very responsive to enquiries and with a keen eye for detail, he is extremely hands-on. His meticulous and in-depth approach to strategising is key to the excellent outcomes we enjoy."

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