SINGAPORE - It is important for the sensitive issue of death to be discussed more openly and honestly, said Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, even as the Government improves palliative care services amid a rapidly ageing population. Palliative care is aimed at helping someone live with a serious, complex illness in the best way possible, improving the quality of life for the patient and his loved ones. Speaking on Thursday (Dec 9) at the start of the virtual two-day Singapore Palliative Care Conference, Mr Ong said the Government will boost efforts to support caregivers, ramp up hospice and home palliative care capacity, and increase capability among professionals providing such care. At the same time, it is crucial for frank conversations to be held about death. He said: "It's probably the most important thing we need to do. It has to happen within families, between patients and doctors, and among members of society and the healthcare fraternity. "It is one way to bridge the mismatch of expectations and desires between a dying patient and his or her loved ones." In his speech, Mr Ong noted that family members often want to do whatever possible to ensure that patients receive the best p...