Health screening is one of the most important preventive healthcare measures for identifying diseases early, even before symptoms appear. In Singapore, the national health screening program has long been a trusted initiative under the name Screen for Life (SFL). Recently, however, the Ministry of Health (MOH) introduced a rebranded version known as Healthier SG Screening. This change has led many to wonder why the program was renamed and what it means for Singapore residents.
In this article, we will explain the reasons behind the transition from SFL to Healthier SG Screening, highlight its new features, and discuss why it matters for individuals and families.
The Origins of Screen for Life
Screen for Life was launched to encourage Singaporeans and Permanent Residents to undergo regular, subsidised health screenings. It offered targeted tests such as cholesterol checks, diabetes screening, and colorectal cancer tests based on age and risk profiles.
The program was widely accessible and affordable, but over time, MOH recognised that healthcare delivery needed to adapt to evolving population needs. With chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer still prevalent, a broader approach that aligned with Singapore’s preventive health strategy became necessary.
The Shift Toward a Preventive Health Model
Singapore’s healthcare landscape has been shifting away from reactive, hospital-centric care toward proactive, preventive health. The launch of Healthier SG, a national strategy announced in 2022, reflects this vision. The renaming of SFL to Healthier SG Screening is not just cosmetic, it signals alignment with this larger movement.
The new name emphasises the role of preventive screening as part of a person’s lifelong health journey. Rather than seeing screening as a one-off activity, it is framed as a continuous effort to maintain health and prevent disease before it escalates.
Why Rename to Healthier SG Screening?
There are several key reasons behind the rebranding:
1. Integration with the Healthier SG Strategy
By renaming SFL to Healthier SG Screening, the program becomes an integral part of the nationwide Healthier SG movement. This helps unify Singapore’s preventive health efforts under a single umbrella, making it easier for residents to recognise and trust the program.
2. Clearer Messaging
“Screen for Life” was a strong name but somewhat generic. The new name, Healthier SG Screening, immediately communicates its purpose: screenings that contribute to the broader goal of a healthier Singapore. The message is clearer and better aligned with public health goals.
3. Encouraging Lifelong Participation
The name change also reflects the shift from isolated screenings to continuous, lifelong health monitoring. It signals that screenings are not optional extras but part of an ongoing preventive care plan for every Singaporean.
4. Reducing Confusion
With multiple preventive initiatives in place, rebranding under the Healthier SG umbrella simplifies communication. Residents no longer have to wonder whether screening is part of the broader preventive framework, the link is now explicit.
What’s New in Healthier SG Screening?
While many core features of SFL remain, the rebranded program introduces enhancements that make it more comprehensive and accessible.
Expanded Screening Coverage
Healthier SG Health Screening continues to offer critical checks such as blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol, and cancer screenings. However, there is a stronger emphasis on tailoring screenings to individual risk factors such as age, family history, and existing health conditions.
Closer GP Partnerships
Under Healthier SG, residents are encouraged to enrol with a family doctor or general practitioner (GP) of their choice. Healthier SG medical check-up supports this by linking screening results directly to one’s primary doctor, ensuring follow-up care and continuity of treatment.
Affordable and Subsidised Rates
The affordability of screenings remains a cornerstone of the program. Eligible Singaporeans can access subsidised Healthier SG Screening packages, with some screenings costing as little as $5 at participating clinics.
Holistic Follow-Up Care
Rather than treating screening as a standalone activity, the new system ensures that abnormal results are followed up with lifestyle interventions, medication, or referrals to specialists if needed.
Why Healthier SG Screening Matters for Singaporeans
The renaming of SFL to Singapore’s Healthier SG Screening may seem minor, but it has far-reaching implications.
For individuals, it makes preventive health more accessible and structured. For families, it creates opportunities to screen together and manage risks proactively. For the healthcare system, it represents a major step toward sustainability by reducing the long-term burden of chronic disease.
In short, Healthier SG Screening ensures that more people not only undergo tests but also follow through with care plans that help them live longer, healthier lives.
Common Questions About Healthier SG Screening
Is Healthier SG Screening different from the old SFL?
Yes, but the changes are more evolutionary than revolutionary. The core tests remain, but the program is now better integrated with the Healthier SG framework, offering more continuity and structured follow-up care.
Who is eligible for subsidies?
Subsidies are available for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents based on age, gender, and health risk profiles. Eligibility criteria are similar to those under SFL, but residents are encouraged to confirm with participating clinics.
How do I enrol?
You can access Healthier SG Screening by visiting a participating GP clinic. If you have already enrolled with a GP under Healthier SG, your doctor will guide you on the appropriate screenings.
The Bigger Picture: Building a Healthier Nation
The renaming of SFL to Healthier SG Screening underscores Singapore’s commitment to long-term preventive health. It is a reminder that screening is not just about detecting disease but about empowering individuals to take charge of their health early.
By integrating screenings with the Healthier SG strategy, MOH is paving the way for a healthier, more resilient population. It is not just about adding years to life, but life to years.
Take Action with Keystone Clinic & Surgery
At Keystone Clinic & Surgery, we are committed to supporting Singapore’s preventive health goals. Our team of dedicated doctors provides comprehensive Healthier SG Screening services, tailored advice, and follow-up care to help you stay ahead of health risks.
Don’t wait until symptoms appear. Take charge of your health today with affordable, accessible, and professional screening. Book your Healthier SG Screening with Keystone Clinic & Surgery and invest in a healthier tomorrow for yourself and your loved ones.
References
Healthhub.sg. Healthier SG Screening. https://www.healthhub.sg/programmes/healthiersg-screening
Ask.gov.sg. What Happened to Screen for Life? Has It Been Discontinued?. https://ask.gov.sg/healthiersg/questions/cmb7ophun0013za2otmdvcpvf
Hpb.gov.sg. Health Screening. https://www.hpb.gov.sg/healthy-living/preventive-health/healthiersg-screening