Press Releases
Appropriate and quality services for the elderly ensured: SHWF
The Government is committed to providing appropriate and quality services for the elderly, the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong, said today (September 28).
The Government would continue to work with the Hospital Authority to expand the visiting medical officer scheme to enhance outreach medical support for residents of elderly homes, he said.
The Government would also provide additional infirmary beds in non-hospital setting and provide funding to upgrade home for the aged places into long-term care places.
"The objective of our long term care programme is to provide quality and cost-effective care for our frail elders and appropriate support for their carers," he said.
There are currently over 26,900 subsidised residential care places for the elders, an increase of 59 per cent over 1997/98.
Commenting on the second phase downward adjustment of Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) to be implemented on October 1, Dr Yeoh reiterated that there was no question that the Government was retreating from its commitment to providing a safety net for the needy.
"I understand the concern of the community towards the elders and the disabled, but the current adjustment was made to reflect the continuous deflation recorded over a three-year period, he said.
Dr Yeoh pointed out that apart from the standard payouts, elderly recipients were entitled to a wide range of special grants and free medical services at public hospitals/clinics. There were also a wide network of support services and assistance in kind to the elderly, he added.
Accompanied by the Executive Director of the Society for the Aged, Mr Tik Chi-yuen, Dr Yeoh today toured a district elderly community centre of the society in Chai Wan and greeted the elders with mooncakes and fruits on this Mid-Autumn Festival.
He had cosy chit-chat with the elders who were engaged in various activities - playing Chinese musical instruments, solving lantern riddles, computer learning and chess playing.
Dr Yeoh then sat down for tea with some of the elders, amongst them some living on CSSA. He exchanged views with the elders on medical services provided at public hospitals/clinics. He also asked about the daily life of the elderly welfare recipients.
The Chai Wan Elderly District Community Centre had about 1,500 registered members, providing a whole range of services ranging from developmental, preventive, support and remedial services to meal service.
About 200 elders, mostly living in Chai Wan, took part in the programmes organised by the centre each day.
Ends/Tuesday, September 28, 2004
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