SingHealth wants to hear from women of all ages. It launched an e-mail channel for this purpose at the Fabulous From 40 forum organised along with the Singapore Council of Women's Organisations (SCWO) at the Raffles City Convention Centre last Sunday.

Any woman who has a strong view on health care, for example, where there are gaps in services, is welcome to send an e-mail to awomanswish@singhealth.com.sg .

Deputy chief executive officer of SingHealth and Singapore General Hospital Ms Karen Koh said that over two years, SingHealth conducted focus group studies of a cross-section of women from various age groups.

Ms Koh said the survey revealed the pivotal role of women in accessing health care. In fact, it is the women in the family who will gather information and check out the health-care options available.

'On top of their own health, women are equally concerned and involved in the health of their family members. Children's health, for example, is a key concern,' she said.

Also, women's health-care needs change throughout their lifetime. From puberty to menopause, they will confront differing issues ranging from pregnancy to aesthetics, osteoporosis, cancer and heart problems.

Ms Koh said the group wants every woman in Singapore to offer ideas on new health-care services and suggest how the group can better organise and deliver its services to meet their needs.

'Women are astute and sensitive and all they need is the right platform to voice their needs, hopes and wishes for better health care,' Ms Koh added.

- SHEFALI SRINIVAS