In the 1960s, the government was concerned with providing basic healthcare. This was because infectious diseases (e.g. tuberculosis) was common and spread easily.
See the steps taken by the Singapore government:
By the 1970s, the Singapore economy had improved and people enjoyed a better standard of living. They also wanted better heatlhcare services. See the improvements made in healthcare services in Singapore: 
Such improvements need money! And the money came from the government budget.
Now, if the government spends a lot on healthcare, it will have less money to spend on other needs, e.g., education.
Singapore: 1980s
By the early 1980s, the government was concerned about the rising cost of healthcare. This is because resources are finite. See what then Health Minister, Goh Chok Tong, had to say:
- "Resources are finite in terms of funds, doctors and nurses. Providing welfare in healthcare will affect people's incentive to wrok. It is necessary to pay for the services that you want."
This is how the National Health Plan came about! It was a 20-year plan to improve the healthcare system in Singapore.
20 years have passed... Do you think that the National Health Plan has achieved its goals?Conclusion
In this section, you looked at Singapore healthcare in the 1960s - 1980s. Can you link this back to what you learnt in Chapter 2 on the role of the government? Think about how the government has to anticipate problems and understand the changing needs of the people!
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