The new prescription - Technology with empathy

Singapore’s healthcare sector has long been recognised for combining advanced medicine with efficiency, but according to Yong Yih Ming, the future of healthcare will depend not only on skilled doctors, but also on how intelligently hospitals use technology, teamwork, and patient-centred systems.

In an interview with The Daily Star, the CEO of Mount Elizabeth Hospital said modern healthcare is becoming increasingly complex, particularly as more patients seek treatment for advanced cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic illnesses. He stressed that multidisciplinary collaboration is now essential for better patient outcomes.

“Today, patients coming to Singapore often present with more complicated conditions,” he said, adding that successful treatment increasingly requires surgeons, physicians, radiologists, oncologists, and other specialists to work together seamlessly.

He believes technology plays a crucial role in making such collaboration more effective. Advanced imaging systems powered by artificial intelligence (AI), robotic surgery, and digital diagnostics are helping doctors diagnose diseases faster and more accurately. According to him, clearer imaging and AI-assisted detection can reduce delays, improve treatment planning, and ultimately lower healthcare costs by shortening hospital stays and reducing complications.

Yong described AI as a “co-pilot” rather than a replacement for doctors. While machines can assist in analysing scans or streamlining operations, he believes the human side of healthcare remains irreplaceable. “When patients are frightened or vulnerable, empathy still matters,” he noted.

At Mount Elizabeth Hospital, digitalisation has also transformed patient experience. Hospital rooms now feature integrated smart systems that allow patients to access educational materials, entertainment, translation services, meal ordering, and feedback platforms digitally. This, he explained, reduces unnecessary administrative workload for nurses and allows healthcare workers to spend more time on direct patient care.

Discussing regional healthcare trends, Yong warned that cancer is becoming a growing concern across Asia, with patients increasingly diagnosed at younger ages. He said countries in South Asia, including Bangladesh, should strengthen investments in oncology services, specialist workforce development, and advanced treatment technologies.

He also highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration, suggesting that many patients can receive parts of their treatment locally while accessing highly specialised therapies abroad when necessary. According to him, sustainable healthcare will depend on partnerships rather than competition alone.