Technology holds key to better reach and efficiency in healthcare

SINGAPORE'S healthcare industry is facing the increasingly daunting challenge of the nation's ageing population. In 2015, there were 460,000 people aged above 65; by 2020, the figure will be 610,000.

The Health Ministry recently said that it will need 30,000 health workers to handle the ageing population by 2020.

The problem is compounded by the declining number of births. Singapore's old-age dependency ratio has steadily decreased over the past few decades, presenting a number of profound challenges.

The ageing population places heavier demands on healthcare and the provision of aged care, which will fall on the younger generation.

The demand also comes amid a tight labour market. With fewer medical professionals in the industry, it becomes doubl…