As much as we harp on the quality of life, the quality of death is also as important too — and it seems that Singapore counts as one of the top places in the world where you can bask in a good death.
According to the latest findings released in the annual Quality of Death Index, Singapore placed the 12th spot in the top places in the world to die well, surrounded by well-equipped healthcare services and institutions to help you fade away gently into the ether.
The award for best place to expire goes to the UK, where a strong hospice movement, specialised care workers deep community engagement and an integration of palliative care into their National Health Service have given them top marks. Countries such as Australia (2nd place), New Zealand (3rd place) and Ireland (4th place) follow close behind.
At 6th position, Taiwan is said to be best place in Asia to die. Taiwanese citizens benefit from the country’s National Health Insurance, which determines insurance coverage and level of reimbursement for specific services — meaning palliative care services remain affordable. Quality of palliative care in the country have vastly improved with technological advances, while community engagement has been put in focus to break down mindsets and cultural taboos discussing death.
Similarly, Singapore has made great strides in improving the country’s healthcare system for the ageing population, but relatively little has been invested in palliative care. However so, healthcare coverage for the elderly has been increased, national healthcare insurance programmes have been enhanced. What Singapore lacks is the community engagement in palliative care issues — not many citizens are aware of hospice care.
“So we built up a pretty good acute care system, but when it comes to chronic diseases and end of life, there is a lot of catching up to do,” remarked Cynthia Goh, chair of the Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network.
Photo: Ted Eytan via Flickr
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