REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON THE PROBLEMS OF THE AGED (Implementation of recommendations)

Dr Ang Kok Peng asked the Acting Minister for Health, since the adoption of the Report of the Committee on the Problems of the Aged in July 1984, what measures have been taken by his Ministry to implement those recommendations that lie within the purview of its administrative responsibility.

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: Sir, my Ministry has taken several measures following the adoption of the Report of the Committee on the Problems of the Aged.

In 1985, a department of Health Services for the Elderly was set up to specifically promote and maintain the health of the elderly. Its role is to review and implement measures to enable the elderly to be in good health and to live in their own homes as independently and as long as possible.

My Ministry also assists the Home Nursing Foundation (HNF) to provide home nursing, day care and rehabilitation for the elderly. Besides providing nursing care, the nurses teach family members simple nursing and rehabilitation procedures, so that members of the families are able to play a bigger role in looking after their aged sick relatives.

My Ministry is planning to establish by 1992, 10 Senior Citizens Health Care Centres which will provide day care and free health screening. To date, three such centres have been established. They are in Kuo Chuan, Kampong Ubi and Toa Payoh.

In view of our ageing population, it is important to increase the general level of awareness among senior citizens and the general population on how to look after our own health. Health education sessions on various relevant health topics are held at the Senior Citizens Health Care Centres, polyclinics, community centres and health fairs, for the elderly and members of their families. Health information is also readily available free of charge in the form of pamphlets and booklets, and they are obtainable from the polyclinics, hospitals, Senior Citizens Health Care Centres, community centres, Senior Citizens Clubs, post offices, major shopping centres, public libraries and at health fairs and public talks for the elderly. We will continue to explore ways to bring such health education messages more effectively to the general public.

Despite all efforts at the preventive level, it is inevitable that with an ageing population, the number of elderly falling ill will still increase. A specialized geriatric department, for the assessment and management of elderly sick with multiple problems will be set up this year in Tan Tock Seng Hospital. Since 1984, my Ministry has sent four doctors, three nurses and one medical social worker for specialized training in overseas geriatric medical centres.

We are also planning the building of the first Community Hospital. The Community Hospital will provide care for the elderly who are chronically ill and who require more prolonged hospitalization.