SINGAPORE: KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) has introduced a minimally invasive surgical technique for performing hysterectomies, offering numerous benefits to patients.

This advanced method has been met with enthusiasm due to its potential to minimize hospitalization, reduce blood loss, and eliminate visible scars, provided it is executed by highly skilled surgeons.

The new technology combines elements of laparoscopic and vaginal gynaecological surgery. Surgeons at KKH employ specialized instruments to access the patient’s body via the vaginal canal, thereby eliminating the need for abdominal incisions.

Consequently, patients experience a swifter recovery period and no residual scarring, in addition to significant cost savings compared to traditional hysterectomies.

While this approach has clear benefits, it demands an extraordinary level of expertise from the surgeons. Currently, KKH boasts three doctors with the requisite skills to perform this intricate procedure.

Recognizing the importance of expanding its surgical team, the hospital is actively engaged in training more doctors to ensure the continued availability of this remarkable technique.

With more than 200 successful procedures completed thus far, it is estimated that approximately 400 patients each year will enjoy the advantages of this advanced minimally invasive surgery, which is primarily geared towards patients with conditions such as uterine fibroids, endometrial hyperplasia, and abnormal uterine bleeding.

Ms Liu (transliterated from Mandarin), one of the patients who underwent this procedure at KKH, opted for it to mitigate the risk of cancer. In her case, the surgery involved the removal of her fallopian tubes and ovaries, which was carried out successfully. She recounted her experience to Channel 8 news, saying that she was able to resume normal activities soon after the operation and didn’t require prescribed painkillers upon returning home.

Apart from KKH, Singapore General Hospital (SGH) also offers this minimally invasive surgical option, which highlights its growing prominence in the field of gynaecological surgery.

KKH, which conducts approximately 1,000 hysterectomies each year, anticipates that half of these surgeries will benefit from this groundbreaking technique, especially for patients with precancerous lesions or cancer, as well as those with benign conditions like pelvic organ prolapse.

SINGAPORE: The Singapore Government has promised to take steps to provide more targeted financial assistance to low- and middle-income individuals who are involuntarily unemployed.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong earlier hinted at these efforts at the National Day Rally, expressing the government’s commitment to helping job seekers overcome challenges and enhance their skills to secure better long-term employment prospects.

The Forward Singapore report, released on Friday (27 Oct) detailed the government’s plan to extend aid to those who are most susceptible to financial hardship during periods of unemployment. This initiative will be accompanied by certain prerequisites, including a requirement for beneficiaries to actively seek employment on a monthly basis.

The central focus of this endeavor is to keep workers motivated in their pursuit of re-employment while addressing their financial needs. The benefits offered through this program will complement existing social assistance initiatives for disadvantaged families and the training grants available under the SkillsFuture program.

The report made clear that the government is emphasizing not just financial relief, but also active career guidance and employment support. The aim is to assist unemployed individuals in identifying and pursuing suitable career paths.

One notable recommendation that emerged during the Forward Singapore initiative’s dialogue sessions is the creation of a “career passport” for every job seeker. Participants said that such a personalized document would offer an analysis of an individual’s skills and qualifications, along with tailored recommendations for career development. In addition, there was a suggestion to offer personalized career coaching services to Singaporeans.

Career guidance experts have weighed in on the matter, highlighting the current gap in services available to job seekers in Singapore. Existing services primarily focus on helping individuals secure employment but often neglect the vital aspect of career guidance.

According to a career guidance counselor and lecturer who spoke to Channel 8 News, the importance of career self-management skills cannot be overstated. He said, “In addition to traditional services, such as resume writing, how to interview, and career assessment, what is more important is career self-management skills, which helps each citizen more deeply understand their career direction and their own personality.”

The counsellor added that this will help them avoid bringing negative thoughts into their work life and can have a more positive outlook of their own value and their purpose.