From 1 May 2023, the Director of Medical Services (DMS) will be re-designated as the Director-General of Health (DGH). Professor Kenneth Mak will helm the role as the first DGH.
2. The re-designation more accurately reflects this role as the main overseer of both clinical and public health of Singaporeans, which includes the prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases, establishment and maintenance of healthcare professional standards, as well as the development and enhancement of the performance of the nation’s healthcare system and services.
3. This marks one of several changes to restructure the Ministry of Health to place emphasis on both clinical services and public health, arising from what we have learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic, so that we can better prepare Singapore for the next pandemic.
4. Other efforts include the eventual formation of the Communicable Diseases Agency, the maintenance of a permanent Crisis Strategy and Operations Group and the setting up of a Healthcare Reserve Force. When in place, these changes will enable clinical services and public health to be institutionalised and built up within the Ministry.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
28 APRIL 2023