Reports of Incidents Involving Transportation and Escorting of Elderly Patients

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Minister for Health (a) how many incidents involving the transportation and escorting of elderly patients have been reported in the past three years; (b) in those incidents involving gig-platform services for transporting these elderly, who bears the responsibility; and (c) whether the Ministry will consider tightening regulations to enforce service quality and training standards for companies offering such services.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Over the past three years, 10 safety incidents involving medical escort and transport of seniors by service providers and transport vendors appointed by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) have been reported. Service providers appointed by MOH are required to adhere to service standards and requirements. These service providers are also required to conduct training to ensure that staff and volunteers are able to carry out their roles safely. MOH and AIC did not receive reports on similar incidents involving gig-platforms services during the same period.

MOH will continue to review our policies and regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of clients of our eldercare services.