The Institute of Mental Health (IMH) will be expanded and redeveloped on its present site, with the work scheduled to finish by 2040. This will increase the hospital’s capacity to treat more patients.

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung announced the plan on 10 October. He also said that in 2027 IMH will be redesignated as the National Centre for Mental Health Singapore, joining other national specialty centres for cancer, heart and eye care.

The new centre will lead research, coordinate psychiatric services across hospitals and build capabilities throughout Singapore’s mental‑health sector, according to Mr Ong, who also serves as Coordinating Minister for Social Policies.

Mr Ong warned that mental‑health challenges are rising worldwide, especially among young people. More patients are now seen in hospitals, specialist clinics and even in schools.

The number of youths receiving help in the community has more than doubled, while national mindline 1771 handles about 9,000 calls each month.

To meet this demand, the government wants to strengthen specialist care and put more emphasis on prevention and early intervention. Reducing stigma and easing parental‑consent barriers are key parts of the strategy.

Stigma still stops many from seeking help. Some fear judgment from family, friends or teachers, and others worry that a mental‑health record could hurt future education, scholarship, job or insurance prospects.

Parental consent can also be a hurdle. Callers to mindline 1771 may stay anonymous, but community providers usually do not need consent before offering counselling. Schools, however, often require consent before formal counselling begins.

Mr Ong said the system should allow a young person to enter through a safe door first, then involve the family as the care journey progresses, ensuring support without unnecessary barriers.

The Singapore Medical Council is revising its ethical guidelines to give doctors clearer direction on parental consent, while the Ministry of Health is developing its own consent guidelines for various service providers.

Both steps aim to improve access to mental‑health services, protect young people’s privacy and welfare, and involve parents in a way that supports recovery.