At its core, palliative care is a specialised, holistic approach prioritising the quality of life for individuals facing terminal illnesses such as cancer. By focusing on symptom relief, pain management, and psychosocial support, palliative care ensures that patients experience comfort, dignity, and compassion during their most challenging moments. PHA seeks to foster long-overdue conversations about end-of-life care so that more Singaporeans will be able to benefit from such services.

Over the 2024 mid-year vacation, the PHA committee of 30 first- and second-year medical students planned and executed a large-scale public exhibition at Oasis Terraces. This was to deepen public understanding and acceptance of palliative care and end-of-life planning.

The event was a resounding success, attracting 750 attendees who participated in informative sessions, interactive exhibits, and thought-provoking discussions which shed light on the significance of palliative care and the importance of planning for the future.

The impact of the exhibition was evident. Pre- and post-event surveys revealed that 82% of participants were likely to begin drafting a LPA, and 80% expressed intention to initiate ACP. These statistics highlight the profound effect of the event in motivating proactive end-of-life decision-making.

In line with the 2023 National Strategy for Palliative Care, PHA partnered with a variety of community organisations and governmental agencies, including Fei Yue Community Services and the CPF Board, which offered free ACP consultations and on-site CPF nomination services. These initiatives helped attendees take concrete steps towards completing their LPA, ACP, and CPF nominations. Other notable partners included Sengkang General Hospital, the Agency for Integrated Care, and HCA Hospice, all of which generously provided their expertise and services to ensure a well-rounded and impactful experience for attendees.

A highlight of the exhibition was the presence of Senior Minister of State, Mr Desmond Tan, who graced the event as Guest-of-Honour. His support for PHA’s mission to raise awareness about palliative care was invaluable, and his endorsement of the project’s initiatives reaffirmed the importance of such efforts within Singapore’s healthcare landscape.

PHA remains steadfast in helping to nurture a generation of compassionate doctors who will champion palliative care and advocate for a holistic approach to end-of-life care. By continuing to promote awareness and engage the community, PHA is paving the way towards a future where every individual receives the dignity and care they deserve at the end of life. The project looks forward to advancing palliative care, hand in hand with its partners, to create a more compassionate future for all.

PHA Project Directors from 2021—Ng Kai Jie and Ng Jing Ni (first and second from right), and 2023—Jacqueline Tan Wan Yu and Cheryl Loh Ying Xuan (third and fourth from right), attending PHA 2024 to support the cause.

Participants at PHA exhibition answering questions designed to encourage members of the public to think about their values, priorities and needs towards the end of life.

Facilitators explaining the differences between LPA and ACP to participants.

PHA Volunteers taking a wefie with NUS Medicine Vice-Dean (Education), Adjunct Professor Lau Tang Ching.