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Singapore, APAC and global healthcare news — curated for nurses, caregivers and care teams.

Last updated 22 October 2026.

Singapore

Breast care nursing pioneer continues supporting patients after retirement

A CNA profile published on 21 October describes how Nagalingam Saraswathi established breast care nursing at Singapore General Hospital in 1992 and trained nurses from other hospitals. Following retirement in November 2025, she continues fitting bras and prostheses for mastectomy patients, working as a locum nurse and participating in the hospital’s breast cancer support group.

— CNA Lifestyle ([cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com](https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/women/singapore-first-breast-care-nurse-nagalingam-saraswathi-sgh-590201))

Singapore

Singapore to require reporting of three additional infectious diseases

From 31 October 2026, doctors suspecting Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, Lassa fever or Marburg virus disease, and laboratories detecting them, must notify the Director-General of Health. The 19 October report says Singapore’s risk remains low. The reporting requirements are intended to support early detection and responses including isolation and contact tracing.

— Mothership ([mothership.sg](https://mothership.sg/2026/10/spore-infectious-diseases/))

Singapore

KKH and MSF explain earlier care and referral history of baby who died from abuse

In a 22 October report, KKH said examinations during Trevor Neo’s January 2024 admission found no injuries, and follow-up included access to parenting and child development support. The hospital subsequently closed the case without outstanding concerns. MSF said its Protective Service received no referral before the eight-month-old died in September 2024.

— CNA ([channelnewsasia.com](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/kkh-msf-trevor-neo-abuse-death-6478016))

APAC

Victorian virtual emergency service connects patients with nurse triage and community care

An expert commentary published on 19 October describes Victoria’s virtual emergency service, which accepts self-referrals and referrals from ambulance crews, aged care facilities and clinicians. Virtual nurse triage or consultations can lead to care at the patient’s location, another service or a physical emergency department. The service operates around the clock across the state.

— Medical Journal of Australia InSight+ ([insightplus.mja.com.au](https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2026/40/bringing-the-emergency-department-into-your-lounge-room))

APAC

Malaysia proposes regional purchasing pilot for essential medicines

WHO reported on 21 October that Malaysia proposed a pooled purchasing pilot for selected essential medicines during a ministerial discussion in Manila. The Marshall Islands and Papua New Guinea offered to host pilots. Participants supported exploring voluntary cooperation, including sharing shortage information, coordinating procurement and maintaining stocks of rare but critical products.

— World Health Organization ([who.int](https://www.who.int/westernpacific/news/item/21-10-2026-western-pacific-countries-show-strong-interest-in-working-together-on-access-to-essential-medicines))

Global

WHO workforce report highlights ageing staff and unequal access to care

WHO’s 19 October update projects a global shortage of 11.1 million health workers by 2030. Its new workforce report finds that nearly one-quarter of doctors are older than 55, based on data from 122 countries. Despite workforce growth, uneven distribution continues to restrict access to essential services, while ageing populations increase demand.

— World Health Organization ([who.int](https://www.who.int/news/item/18-09-2026-one-in-four-doctors-nearing-retirement-age-as-who-warns-of-global-health-workforce-gap))

Global

New framework tracks heat-related health risks in pregnancy and childhood

WHO and three UN partners launched a monitoring framework on 21 October to help countries assess extreme heat’s effects on pregnant women, newborns and children. Proposed indicators include preterm births, stillbirths, pregnancy hypertension and health-facility visits. Combining routine health records with heat-exposure data is intended to support preparedness, identify vulnerable communities and improve responses.

— World Health Organization ([who.int](https://www.who.int/news/item/21-10-2026-new-global-framework-launched-to-track-increasing-health-risks-of-extreme-heat-for-pregnant-women--newborns-and-children))

Nurse360 — Clinical & Community Care, Singapore