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Source:
www.moh.gov.sg
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International Advisory Panel’s Recommendations on
Problem Gambling and Other Addictions |
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Singapore’s proactive and coordinated
approach in dealing with problem gambling and other addictions was
commended by the International Advisory Panel (IAP). |
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Amongst its recommendations, the IAP
highlighted that this approach should continue to be the key
focus of our national strategy to tackle problem gambling and
other harmful addictions. |
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The IAP was set up jointly by the Ministry
of Health (MOH) and the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and
Sports (MCYS) to advise the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)
and the National Addictions Management Centre (NAMC) on issues related
to problem gambling and other addictions. The IAP convened its inaugural
meeting in Singapore on 5 -7 December 2007. |
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In its report submitted to the MOH and NCPG, the IAP recommended the
following focus areas: a. Emphasis
on public education and preventive efforts in addressing problem
gambling;
b. Joint capability building and sharing of resources in counselling and
treatment;
c. Coordination and collaboration among various agencies in data
collection and evaluation; and
d. Focus on research in problem gambling and other addictions |
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MOH and NCPG have accepted these
recommendations and will work together with the relevant agencies on the
implementation details. It will be an integrated approach aimed at
strengthening existing addictions management programmes and building
greater capabilities in preventive education, manpower and physical
infrastructure. |
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Follow Up Actions |
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Building Capability for Problem Gambling |
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In the coming months, the NCPG will partner
MCYS and MOH, particularly CAMP, in building capability for problem
gambling services and research. NCPG’s priority would be on training for
professionals and frontline staff in the community and social service
agencies; as well as specialised training and attachment with overseas
problem gambling service providers for designated agencies. It will also
focus its research agenda on problem gambling among the youth and
elderly. |
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Development of Medical Services and
Capabilities for Addiction Management |
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The immediate focus will be to extend and
strengthen existing addictions management services under the Community
Addictions Management Programme (CAMP). |
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In this initial phase, the focus will be on the following:
a. Build-up of the necessary expertise in
addictions management
b. Evaluate and fine-tune existing treatment programmes
c. Put in place new management programmes, if necessary
d. Review infrastructure needs
e. Identify key areas for research on addictions management |
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A planning team to be led by the Institute
of Mental Health will be appointed by mid-2008 to drive and monitor the
development of clinical services, manpower capability and infrastructure
for addictions management in Singapore. |
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The IAP will continue to play an advisory
role during this phase. The panel plans to meet again in the second half
of 2008. |
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More details of the
IAP recommendations,
Terms of Reference and
list of members can be found in the enclosed documents. |
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
NATIONAL COUNCIL ON PROBLEM GAMBLING
4 APRIL 2008 |
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Source:
www.moh.gov.sg Press Release 4
Apr 208 |
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FrontPage Edition: Fri 4 April 2008
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