Image: MCCY

Monday, 27 November 2023IHH Healthcare Singapore has signed a two-year memorandum of understanding with Para Athletics (Singapore) to provide local para-athletes with complimentary healthcare services. This is the first such partnership between a healthcare provider and a para-sports organisation.

Under the partnership, IHH Healthcare will provide para-athletes with services like physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry, diagnostic imaging, and blood tests worth around $200,000 per year. The services aim to enhance para-athlete fitness, recovery and competition readiness. Athletes will now be able to arrange consultations within a week instead of months previously.

“We are moved by the challenges PAS faces when seeking timely medical services for their athletes, both throughout their routine training and pre- and post-competition seasons,” said Dr Peter Chow, Acting Chief Executive Officer, IHH SG. “We are hopeful that this MOU will help alleviate some of these difficulties and enable our para-athletes, especially our next generation of aspiring sportsmen and women, to enhance their performance and maximise their sporting potential.”

“We are thrilled to embark on this groundbreaking collaboration with IHH Healthcare Singapore. This partnership marks a significant milestone for Para Athletics (Singapore), as it is the first of its kind between a healthcare provider and a para-sports organisation. IHH SG’s complimentary healthcare services, including nutrition consultancy, physiotherapy, and medical assessments, will greatly enhance our para-athletes’ healthcare experience.”

“We believe that this collaboration will contribute to their fitness, recovery, and competition readiness. It will also empower them to reach their full potential as aspiring sportsmen and women. Together with IHH SG, we look forward to creating a healthier and more inclusive environment for our para-athletes,” said Mohammad Taufik Ahmadini, President of Para Athletics (Singapore).

Both organisations hope this collaboration will empower para-athletes to reach their full potential and create a more inclusive environment for them. IHH Healthcare sees this initiative as part of its “Life Renewed” community program to improve access to quality healthcare for the underserved.​

“This partnership with PAS is one of IHH Healthcare’s flagship community responsibility programmes under the “Life Renewed” banner across our various markets. By holistically engaging our local stakeholders, widening access and making quality healthcare more readily available to the underserved, we hope to nurture a healthier society and truly effect meaningful change,” said Dr Prem Kumar Nair, Group Chief Executive Officer, IHH Healthcare.

Jaffa Mohamed Salleh, Vice President of Para Athletics (Singapore), says most disabled athletes in the association currently lack medical support. SportSG only helps athletes who have succeeded or show potential to win medals. Many athletes in the group also struggle to get medical care out of pocket due to limited financial means.

“This is one of the challenges faced by people with disabilities,” Jaffa said. “Rehab is essential for us. But athletes are so busy training, they don’t have time for rehab. So training becomes their rehab. Support like this will help athletes at all levels.

He pointed out that once cooperation is effective, these services can be integrated into athletes’ training to boost sports performance. The extra support would go a long way in helping athletes focus on competing, Jaffa explained.​

The MOU signing took place at Parkway MediCentre @ Woodleigh, IHH SG’s new concept ambulatory care facility that provides convenient and comprehensive outpatient care to the community in the northeastern region of Singapore.

ABOUT IHH HEALTHCARE SINGAPORE

IHH Healthcare Singapore (IHH SG) is part of IHH Healthcare, a world leader in integrated care with a presence in 10 markets across the world. As Singapore’s largest private healthcare provider, IHH SG operates an integrated network of four multi-award-winning acute hospitals – Gleneagles Hospital, Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital and Parkway East Hospital – where more than 1,500 accredited specialists provide quality multi-disciplinary specialist care.

IHH SG’s network extends beyond acute and tertiary care to primary, specialty care and ancillary services. Its Parkway brand includes the Parkway Shenton network of over 50 clinics island-wide, and iXchange, its managed care and employee benefits arm. Together with Parkway Cancer Centre, Parkway MediCentre, Parkway Radiology, Parkway Laboratories, Parkway Rehab and Parkway Emergency Services, IHH SG’s comprehensive range of services underpins its position as the country’s most trusted healthcare provider, known for providing quality medical care and clinical outcomes in Singapore and around the region.

For more information, visit https://www.ihhhealthcare.com/singapore/.

For more information, please contact info@para-athletics.org.sg

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