Ageing, workforce shortages top Singapore healthcare pressures: ASEAN index

Across the region, digital transformation and AI rank as the top future pressures.

Ageing populations and workforce shortages are tied as the leading future pressures on Singapore's healthcare readiness, each cited by 48% of respondents, according to the ASEAN Care Readiness Index 2026.

The index reported 94% of leaders overall feel prepared for the next three to five years, yet 98% flag at least one development that will strain that readiness.

Across the region, digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) rank as the most frequently cited future pressure, selected by 54% of respondents.

Meanwhile, 44% name digital health and AI as their single biggest capability gap, more than double the 17% citing MedTech innovation.

Investment priorities align accordingly, with 60% saying digital health, AI, data, and interoperability should be prioritised for spending, the top investment priority in every market surveyed, including Singapore.

However, technology implementation capability is the most-cited barrier to readiness overall at 54%, followed by workforce capacity and skills at 46%.

Digital transformation and AI dominate in Indonesia (66%), Vietnam (62%), and Malaysia (52%). Thailand's leading pressure is growing demand for rehabilitation and long-term care (54%).

In the Philippines, rising healthcare demand tops the list (54%), with technology implementation capability (60%) and funding and investment (58%) also cited as significant barriers.

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