SINGAPORE, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's northern region faces higher rates of chronic illnesses compared with the rest of the country, prompting the government to strengthen local health services, Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung has said.

Currently, the three northern towns have 34 Community Health Posts, namely neighborhood touchpoints providing health services, but the number will rise to 39, Ong announced at an event on the region's health situation on Sunday.

These posts will also operate more regularly over time, he said. "Today it is uneven -- some open once a week, some every fortnight, some every month. Over time, we hope and are working towards all of them operating once a week."

The Health Promotion Board will also introduce more physical activities in the north. For instance, men, who are generally less likely to come out to exercise, have shown interest in activities such as Zumba Gold and resistance band workouts, which can be expanded.

Studies show that diabetes prevalence is highest in the north, while rates of hyperlipidemia and hypertension also exceed the Singapore average. The underlying causes, Ong noted, require further study. ■