Primary healthcare (PHC) is the cornerstone of high-performing health systems. Private sector PHC providers, provide a significant proportion of PHC services in Southeast Asia, which is largely paid out-of-pocket. A rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the increasing risk of future pandemics are increasing the demands for closer coordination and collaboration between private PHC providers and the public healthcare system.

However, meaningful integration between private PHC providers and the public healthcare system remains challenging. It includes contractual and payment arrangements within a specified healthcare provider network, data sharing, and harmonization of care protocols and referral pathways.

In Singapore, Healthier SG is a major transformation of the healthcare system to promote good health and prevent chronic diseases and their deterioration, anchored by primary care and the community. Implementing Healthier SG requires setting clear referral pathways and care protocols, providing equitable and sustainable payments to private PHC providers, and an enabling environment to share data between the public and private healthcare system

The webinar discussed lessons from the experiences of Singapore on integrated care development and primary care transformation, including partnering with private PHC providers to strengthen healthcare delivery.