Reducing Duplication of One-stop Online Platforms Developed for Mental Wellness
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Dr Wan Rizal’s inquiry regarding the rationale for developing a new one-stop mental health portal and how it addresses duplication among existing information platforms. Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung stated that the COVID-19 Mental Wellness Taskforce recommended this curated portal to provide a trusted resource amidst an overwhelming array of information. The portal does not aim to reduce existing sources but serves as a central, expert-verified repository for comprehensive and current mental wellness content. To avoid duplication, the portal will be built upon the existing HealthHub platform, which already offers various health content and e-services to Singaporeans. This approach ensures that users can access credible mental health information in an easy, convenient, and reliable manner through a consolidated platform.
Transcript
39 Dr Wan Rizal asked the Minister for Health with regard to HPB’s development of a one-stop online portal for national mental health resources (a) what are the reasons for developing this portal instead of building on the existing one-stop mental health platforms; (b) how will the new portal be different from the existing one-stop mental health platforms; (c) how will the Government prevent or reduce duplication of such one-stop platforms from emerging; and (d) how does developing a new portal reduce the number of existing information sources on mental health.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: Currently, there are numerous online resources on mental health and well-being by government agencies and private providers, which can be confusing and overwhelming for those who are searching for information. In addition, the information at some of these online resources may not be relevant, current or credible. In view of this, the COVID-19 Mental Wellness Taskforce (CoMWT) had recommended for a one-stop online portal for mental health resources to be developed.
The one-stop portal does not aim to reduce the number of online information sources or portals on mental health. Rather, it aims to serve as a trusted resource that will allow Singaporeans to access reliable, comprehensive and current information that have been curated by experts and various agencies, in an easy and convenient manner. The portal will be developed on HealthHub, which is an existing one-stop platform offering Singaporeans access to a wide range of health content, rewards and e-services.