ParkwayHealth Primary Care & Chronic Disease Management Programme
The International Conference Definition of Primary Health Care in 1978 at Alma Ata is "Essential health care based on practical, scientifically sound and socially acceptable methods and technology made universally accessible to individuals and families in the community through their full participation and at a cost that the community and the country can afford to maintain at every stage of their development in the spirit of self-determination"
Primary health care was accepted by the member countries of World Health Organisation as the key to achieving the goal of Health of all. It is getting a lot of attention recently; due in part to the fragmentation of medical care with more and more specialization and generalists are suddenly in severe shortage.
The first contact of a patient is usually to his/her family physician. The Family Physicians give holistic care to a patient from cradle to grave. Some of the services provided by our Primary Health Team are:
- Treatment of Acute Illnesses (non-emergency type)
- Chronic Disease Management
- Vaccination
- Travel Advice
- Health Screening
- Medical Checkups - Pre-employment, Statutory, Annual, Pre-marital etc
What are Chronic Diseases?
These are diseases which are persistent and long-lasting (sometimes lifelong). Chronic diseases are among the most prevalent, costly and preventable of all diseases. Chronic diseases, as a group, contribute most widely to death, illness and disability globally. They can be treated effectively but needs regular follow-up by doctors to monitor medication side effects, changes in the medical condition and any physical as well as physiological damage associated.
It is estimated that by 2020, non-communicable chronic diseases will exceed 65% of healthcare load globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), out of the 35 million people who died from chronic disease in 2005, half were under 70 and half were women.
ParkwayHealth Primary Care Network is currently implementing three chronic disease management programmes - Diabetes, High Blood Pressure and High Blood Cholesterol. Other Chronic Disease like Obesity, Asthma/Chronic Obstructive Airway Diseases etc will also be implemented in the near future.
Chronic Diseases may not harm a person straight away but they may lead on to sudden death or reduce a person’s quality of life significantly with debilitating illnesses like a stroke, heart attack and organ failure e.g., kidney, heart, etc and cancer.
Who is involved?
The Primary Care Physicians and the ancillary team that consists of dietitians, podiatrists, Nurses and educators.
Where are the services available?
In various clinics all around the island of Singapore. A full list is available on this website http://www.parkwayshenton.com/cliniclisting.html
