ADVANCE MEDICAL DIRECTIVE (Adoption rates)

ADVANCE MEDICAL DIRECTIVE:

(Adoption rates): The following Question stood in the name of Dr Tan Sze Wee -

1. To ask the Minister for Health since the implementation of the Advance Medical Directive ("AMD") Act (a) how many persons have signed up for AMD each year from 2001 to 2005; (b) what are the efforts and programmes undertaken by his Ministry to promote AMD adoption in the population; and (c) if the AMD Act needs to be reviewed and changed to improve adoption rates.

Dr Amy Khor Lean Suan (Hong Kah): Question No. 1, Sir.

The Minister for Health (Mr Khaw Boon Wan): Sir, Dr Tan Sze Wee wanted to ask about the adoption rate of Advance Medical Directives (AMD). Since its implementation in 1997, nearly 4,000 Singaporeans had signed on. I am one of those 4,000.

From 2001 to 2005, the numbers were 442 in 2001, followed by 265, 268, 350 and 1,328 in 2005.

We promote AMD largely through doctors at clinics, nursing homes and hospitals. We have a public information booklet on "Advance Medical Directive - What You Should Know", which is available at healthcare facilities.

This booklet also contains the form for making an AMD. Anyone who wishes to make an AMD should discuss it with his or her doctor, including getting the doctor to help complete the form. Singaporeans can also download the form from the MOH website.

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MOH will make periodic efforts to raise public awareness and support for the AMD. We will leverage on events such as the tragic case of Mrs Terri Schiavo to educate the public on such issues. That was how AMD adoption rate increased sharply last year. But, realistically, we should not expect overwhelming subscription to AMD.

Making an AMD is a serious and voluntary decision. Our efforts will continue to focus on increasing access to the AMD forms and providing the necessary education.

MOH, together with the National Medical Ethics Committee, is currently reviewing the AMD Act. We will see if any amendments are needed in the light of experience.