Update on Work and Plans of Inter-agency Task Force on Mental Wellness

65 Dr Shahira Abdullah asked the Minister for Health (a) whether the inter-agency task force on mental wellness is planning to establish a national suicide prevention strategy as part of the national mental well-being strategy; and (b) whether there are plans to transition this task force into a permanent national coordinating office for mental health and well-being under the Ministry, given the increasing prevalence of mental health conditions and suicides.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: The new Interagency Taskforce on Mental Health and Well-being will look into developing a comprehensive strategy to strengthen the mental resilience and well-being of the population, including suicide prevention.

The Taskforce, which comprises members from various agencies across multiple sectors, will also serve as the platform to coordinate whole-of-Government efforts on mental health and well-being, focusing on cross-cutting issues that require multiple agencies to collaborate and collectively address.

The Taskforce was convened in July 2021 and will be proposing substantive recommendations that will be translated into our policies and practices. We will provide an update on the recommendations when ready.