Picture this: a world grappling with healthcare crises where millions face shortages in skilled professionals, and ageing populations strain systems beyond their limits—yet collaboration across borders could be the game-changer we desperately need. That’s the bold reality unfolding as SingHealth Duke-NUS unveils two groundbreaking global health hubs. But here’s where it gets controversial: are we really prioritizing the right expertise to tackle these looming threats, or is there a risk of overlooking local innovations in favor of international models? Let’s dive in and explore how these new centers are stepping up to the challenge.
The SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre has just announced the launch of two innovative entities: the Centre for Global Allied Health and the Centre for Global Pharmacy. Nestled under the SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute (SDGHI), these hubs are designed to foster international partnerships and skill development, focusing intently on bolstering allied health and pharmacy services throughout Asia. Allied health, for those new to the term, encompasses a wide range of essential roles like physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and dietetics—professionals who work alongside doctors and nurses to provide comprehensive care. The announcement took place during the Singapore Allied Health Conference 2025 at Fairmont Singapore, where experts from around the world gathered to share insights and spark ideas among practitioners.
Drawing on the formidable resources of SingHealth, Singapore’s largest public healthcare network, and Duke-NUS Medical School, the top graduate medical institution in the country, SDGHI was founded in 2018 to streamline and amplify global health initiatives. With these fresh additions, the partnership is doubling down on efforts to promote equitable healthcare across regions.
And this is the part most people miss—these centers aren’t arriving a moment too soon, amid a healthcare landscape transformed by rapid tech shifts, greying societies, and the surge in chronic conditions.
Consider the stark projections: The World Health Organization warns of an 11 million shortfall in health workers by 2030, hitting low- and middle-income nations hardest. For pharmacists specifically, that’s an expected deficit exceeding 190,000 worldwide by the same year. Meanwhile, in ASEAN alone, nearly 127 million people will be over 60 by 2035, while across Asia, the elderly population (60 and above) is set to almost double from 670 million in 2022 to 1.3 billion by 2050. Non-communicable diseases, like diabetes, claim 75% of global deaths, with Southeast Asia facing a rise to 185 million diabetics by 2050—over 40% undiagnosed.
Yet, amidst these challenges, a new generation of healthcare workers is hungry for cross-cultural teamwork, leadership growth, and worldwide opportunities, making these centers a timely beacon.
Global health isn’t just about curing illnesses; it’s about enhancing overall well-being by tackling the social, economic, and environmental forces at play. For instance, think of how pollution or poverty can exacerbate health issues—true global health addresses the root causes for everyone.
SingHealth has been a leader in this arena for over two decades, partnering globally on joint programs. Since SDGHI’s inception in 2018, these collaborations have intensified, including the successful Centre for Global Nursing launched in July 2024. Now, with allied health and pharmacy in the spotlight, the legacy shines through over 120 projects. Standout examples include an ongoing Antimicrobial Stewardship Programme in Cambodia (running since 2017, in partnership with Singapore General Hospital and NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health) to promote smarter antibiotic use and fight resistance. Other highlights are initiatives with the Singapore International Foundation, such as upgrading the Physiotherapy Bachelor’s Programme in Phnom Penh (2012–2019), enhancing physiotherapy education in Vientiane, Laos (2016–2019), and supporting Occupational Therapy for Children with Special Needs in Jakarta (2019–2025)—efforts that have empowered hundreds of practitioners and teachers across Southeast Asia.
These centers will act as dynamic platforms, promoting leadership, training, and guidance in allied health and pharmacy. They’ll encourage teamwork among different healthcare professions, optimizing resource use for better outcomes. Ultimately, they aim to empower these experts to drive health equity globally, recognizing their vital role in the bigger picture.
“Healthcare issues like population ageing and escalating costs are universal, offering prime chances for joint innovation in global solutions,” remarked Professor Ng Wai Hoe, Group Chief Executive Officer of SingHealth. “We’re committed to leading in allied health and pharmacy, not just locally but internationally. These centers will boost our partnerships, allowing knowledge exchange and co-creation of strategies that uplift communities everywhere.”
“Today’s health challenges are deeply intertwined and multifaceted, demanding multidisciplinary, worldwide responses,” added Professor London Lucien Ooi, Director of the SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute. “Under the leadership of Jeyamany Ruth Jacob for Allied Health and Vivianne Shih for Pharmacy, we’ll expand networks to disseminate expertise, develop skills, and fortify health systems. These interactions promote fairness in health globally while enriching Singapore’s own standards for superior care.”
But here’s where it gets controversial: some might argue that focusing on international centers risks diluting local autonomy or prioritizing Western models over indigenous approaches. Could this lead to unintended inequalities, or is it a necessary step toward true global equity? What do you think—does exporting Singapore’s expertise truly help, or should we emphasize self-reliance in developing nations?
Ready to see immediate effects, these new hubs are kicking off with impactful programs in the months ahead. They’ll start by creating detailed online databases for global allied health and pharmacy resources, linking funders, hosts, and initiatives. These will be joined by targeted skill-building courses to groom future leaders, plus webinars and briefings to rally supporters and advocates.
For deeper dives, check out the Centre for Global Allied Health and Centre for Global Pharmacy websites.
For Chinese translations, reach out to Mr. Matthew Tan.
About SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre
The SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre combines the strengths of SingHealth and Duke-NUS Medical School to deliver top-tier results and experiences for patients and communities.
By integrating clinical services, research, and education through Academic Clinical Programmes, Disease Centres, and Joint Institutes, the AMC facilitates the flow of scientific and medical insights to spur breakthroughs, refine medical practices, and cultivate upcoming healthcare talent.
SingHealth provides holistic, interdisciplinary care via a vast network of hospitals, specialty centers, clinics, and community facilities, covering more than 40 specialties as Singapore’s biggest public healthcare group.
Duke-NUS, Singapore’s leading graduate medical school, produces ‘Clinician Plus’ alumni poised to lead in global healthcare and biomedicine, with its Signature Research Programmes and Centres driving transformative discoveries across Asia and further.
About the SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute
The SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute serves as a catalyst for global health endeavors within the SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre.
Leveraging SingHealth and Duke-NUS expertise, the institute champions health fairness by confronting current and future regional challenges worldwide. Teaming up with global allies, it combats prevalent issues, reinforces health frameworks, and guards against pandemics and outbreaks.
www.duke-nus.edu.sg/sdghi
Source: SingHealth
Reporter: PR Wire
Editor: PR Wire
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
Do you believe that initiatives like these can genuinely bridge the global health divide, or are there better ways to address regional disparities? Is the emphasis on allied health and pharmacy innovative, or does it sideline other critical areas? We’d love to hear your opinions—agree, disagree, or share your own experiences in the comments below!