THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE FAMILY PLANNING PROGRAMME IN SINGAPORE: AN ANALYSIS OF THE ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND THE COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES OF THE SINGAPORE FAMILY PLANNING AND POPULATION BOARD BETWEEN 1966 AND 1973

Abstract

Singapore* is a small island of 584 square kilometers. The population in Singapore is at present 2.2 million and with the population density of 5>877 persons per square kilometer , it is apart from Hong Kong> the most densely populated country in the whole world. The Singapore Government realised that to enjoy the socio-economic progress being made in Singapore, the population growth in Singapore had to be controlled. Therefore the Government launched the National Family Planning and Population programme in August 1966. This family planning programme has acquired world-wide reputation and has been put forward as "a shining example of the art of gaining political acceptance and ensuring efficient management of a family planning programme"'' Hitherto the focus of research on Singapore's family planning programme concentrated on a general per¬ spective of family planning activities, population trends, family planning devices and the characteristics of the acceptors. One important aspect which determines the success of a family planning programme has been neglected; that is an analysis of the administrative machinery. It is useful therefore to study the administration of the family planning organisation, and the communications pro¬ gramme of the Singapore Family planning and Population Board. This study seeks to rectify the research gap hy concentrating on these aspects. It is the purpose of this academic exercise to examine the extent to which the organisational struc¬ ture of the SFPFB is conducive to the implementation of the programme, and the extent to which its tasks have been fulfilled. The communication process is also an important aspect of administrative functions and this will also be analysed. Some theoretical knowledge of the history of family planning in Singapore and of the SFPPB will bo provided to serve as a basis for the evaluation of SFFPB1s. performance. In short, the purpose of this academic exercise is to examine the administration of the family planning programme in order to provide a fuller understanding of the determinants of success in achieving the spread of fertility - limitation techniques and practices.