Now in its 20^th year, PHS has evolved into much more than just a medical outreach programme. It is a cherished tradition and testament to the shared dedication of NUS Medicine students in desiring to empower communities and making a meaningful and sustained impact on both healthcare education and accessibility. This year’s PHS took place at the Canopy @ J-Link, Jurong East, and was attended by 653 residents of the HDB blocks in the constituency.

PHS was initiated in 2004 by a small and enthusiastic group of medical students from NUS Medicine. From its beginnings as a simple screening event with only four modalities, PHS has grown tremendously. Today, it stands at the intersection of public health, community outreach and medical education.

Planning and preparations for the event

The PHS mission is to achieve a cumulative benefit in our community, and reintegrate those who have fallen through the cracks, back into the primary healthcare system. We aim to do so through a comprehensive health screening and concurrent health exhibition, focusing on not only secondary prevention, but also primary prevention via health education.

To realise these ambitions, the journey towards a successful health screening began months in advance. Our organising committee dove headfirst, and worked tirelessly through meticulous preparations—arranging logistics, contacting partners, and designing outreach strategies.

Reaching out to the community

One of the first steps in the planning process was identifying the communities that would benefit most from our services. PHS tirelessly reached out to local organisations, community leaders, and healthcare providers to establish partnerships. These collaborations enable us to tap into the local networks and engage with the community effectively.

Prior to the screening weekend, our committee also carried out several rounds of door-to-door and centralised publicity. Apart from spreading awareness about our screening, these publicity rounds allowed us to engage directly with residents in order to understand more of their needs, which serves to shape the future initiatives and direction of PHS.

The organising committee of PHS carried out door-to-door publicity, engaging and finding out the needs of the residents.

Meddy, the mascot of NUS Medicine, made his rounds around the neighbourhood during the screening event.

The driving force: Volunteers and organisers

PHS is a long-standing project which owes its success to our volunteers. Some volunteers contribute their time and effort to the mission of PHS every year. The remarkable resilience and gratitude of the individuals served, and the fulfilment that comes with bearing witness to the transformation of residents’ fears into relief, despair into hope and isolation into connection, fuels the volunteers’ passion to return time and again.

For the students organising this monumental effort, it is a profound sense of responsibility and commitment to the principles of public health that keeps us going. We are driven by the belief that healthcare is a fundamental human right, and we are dedicated to making a difference.

Overcoming challenges

Of course, no endeavour is without its challenges. From funding constraints to unpredictable weather on screening days, PHS has faced its fair share of obstacles. But resilience and teamwork have been our greatest assets.

As one committee, we’ve learned that adversity only strengthens our resolve. Together, we’ve found creative solutions, sought support from our school and local organisations, and rallied community volunteers to ensure that the show goes on.

A platform for doctors-in-training

Participating in the annual health screening is an invaluable experience for medical students. It provides a hands-on opportunity to apply our medical knowledge in a real-world setting, to hone our clinical skills and enhance our ability to communicate effectively with patients. It is a reminder that medicine is more than just the science; it is about caring for people, understanding their needs, and fostering trust.

Furthermore, it exposes us to the multifaceted challenges of healthcare access and equity, lessons that will guide us throughout our medical careers. It instils in us the values of empathy, compassion, and humility—qualities that every physician should possess.

Our committee members at the PHS Public Health Screening event.

PHS student volunteers interacting and screening residents during the screening event.

Reflections

As we look back over the years of PHS’s annual health screening, we see not just a collection of medical check-ups, but a mosaic of human stories of resilience and transformation. It is a testament to what a group of dedicated individuals can achieve when driven by a shared purpose.

In closing, our annual health screening has transcended its status as a mere event—it is a tradition, a commitment, and a testament to the power of community-driven healthcare. We are excited about the years to come and the positive impact we will continue to make.

At the heart of this initiative, we find not only future doctors but also compassionate individuals committed to help heal the world, one screening at a time.