The National University Hospital (NUH) in Singapore has announced its plans to establish a new academic centre for digestive health, ‘National University Centre for Digestive Health’. 

The new centre, expected to open in the first half of 2025, aims to advance innovation, research, and clinical practices in the early detection, diagnosis, treatment, as well as the prevention of digestive diseases. 

NUH said that the centre will incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technology, which will position the upcoming facility as a comprehensive hub for gastroenterology and hepatology services.  

Once open, the facility will address increasing patient needs for various conditions mainly related to colon, stomach, and liver, including cancers.  

NUH cited the Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report 2021, which shows that gastrointestinal and liver cancers are among the top causes of cancer-related deaths in Singapore, with one-third gastrointestinal cancers cases reported in males and one-fifth cases in females. 

With the help of the new centre’s approach, which combines specialised care with AI and technology, the NUH looks to enhance existing radiology, diagnostics, surgery, and therapeutic procedures.  

The effort is set to facilitate early detection, streamline services, and improve intervention strategies, supported by the ability to deliver same-day diagnostic and treatment services. 

In preparation for the Centre's opening, NUH has further upgraded its Endoscopy Centre to meet the growing demands of an ageing population and the rising incidence of gastrointestinal cancers.  

The Endoscopy Centre offers a full range of procedures, from basic screenings to advanced therapeutic interventions, ensuring comprehensive care for patients. 

NUH Department of Medicine Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division head and senior consultant Adjunct Associate Professor Lee Guan Huei said: “At the forefront of our mission within the National University Centre for Digestive Health is the fusion of AI and advanced technologies with deep clinical expertise.  

“This signifies our commitment to innovation as well as our dedication to offering our patients the best experience and most advanced care options possible.”