Singapore Government Press Release

Media Division, Ministry of Information & The Arts, #36-00, PSA Building, 460 Alexandra Road, Singapore 119963, Tel: 3757794/5

OPENING SPEECH BY DR ALINE WONG, SENIOR MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEALTH AND EDUCATION, AT THE 6TH LIVE DEMONSTRATION COURSE IN BASIC AND ADVANCED TECHNIQUES IN INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY ON MONDAY 6 JANUARY 1997 AT 8.30 AM AT THE SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE

This is the 6th Live Demonstration Course in Basic and Advanced Techniques in Interventional Cardiology organised by the Singapore Heart Centre. When the Course was first introduced in 1989, there were abaout 50 participants. At this Course, I understand that there are more than 400 participants from 14 countries in this region as well as those from afar. This shows the importance and interest in this area among cardiologists. It also reflects the confidence cardiologists in the Asia Pacific region have in the Singapore Heart Centre to organise such training. The Singapore Heart Centre has a structured 3-year fellowship training programme. It has provided training not only to local doctors but also doctors from China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Thailand, Myanmar and the Indian subcontinent.

I am pleased to note that so many of you have come from various parts of the world to share your experiences, skills and knowledge in Interventional Cardiology. This year, the Organising Committee has gathered the largest international faculty since the inception of the Course in 1989. They have been invited from the United States, Europe, Australia and Asia. Together with local Singapore experts in Cardiology, the faculty will provide an interactive forum with the Course participants.

Interventional Cardiology in Asian countries has grown and matured through the years. Today, interventional cardiologists are at the stage of consolidating their techniques and maturation of skills. Many centres in Asia are also coming to the forefront of evaluating new technologies and techniques in Interventional Cardiology.

In Singapore, heart disease is currently the second leading cause of mortality, accounting for almost one-quarter of all deaths among the 3 million population, with equal distribution among males and females. Among all heart diseases, coronary artery disease forms the biggest group. In 1995, a total of 5,718 corornary angiograms, 1,545 balloon angioplasties and 1,148 coronary artery by-pass surgeries were performed in Singapore. We expect the number to rise with our ageing population and greater awareness of the disease.

I believe many other countries in Asia are also beginning to face a similar problem. In Singapore, we have placed a lot of emphasis on measures such as lifestyle changes to combat heart disease. Nevertheless, we know that despite all the preventive measures, many people, especially older adults, will eventually succumb to heart disease. Treatment of heart disease is therefore of the highest priority and the contributions of interventional cardiologists will be very much needed.

Advances in medical technology have provided doctors the means to intervene and treat many disease conditions which were not possible in the past. In cardiology, more and more interventional technologies are being tested and made available. I note that you would be discussing some of the most advanced technologies during this Course, such as coronary balloon angioplasty, carotid stenting, coronary rotablation and aortic counterpulsation.

While new technologies have enhanced the practice of cardiology and the power of clinicians to treat heart diseases, we should be cognizant of the fact that not all new cutting-edge technologies necessarily bring the maximum desired benefits to the patients. We must ensure that any new technology in your field, be it a device or a procedure, is of proven value either in improving clinical outcome or offering more cost-effectiveness, before it is widely recommended for clinical practice.

Finally, I would like to congratulate the Singapore Heart Centre and the Organising Committee for their good work and effort in organising this Course, which I believe would be a great learning experience for all participants. For those of you who have come from overseas, I wish you an enjoyable stay in Singapore.

I take pleasure now to declare the 6th Live Demonstration Course in Basic and Advanced Techniques in Interventional Cardiology open. Thank you.