Elderly healthcare review "timely"
14 August 2011
SINGAPORE
Members of Parliament (MPs) on Sunday welcomed the reviews made in Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's National Day Rally speech, describing them as timely.
In his Mandarin speech, Mr Lee said the government is focusing on addressing healthcare concerns for seniors.
So, there will be more Medifund support for lower-income households, to go for rehabilitation or other elderly care services.
Mr Lee said there is a need to increase capacity and support for nursing homes.
Some pointed out the changes would cater to the needs of an ageing population.
MP for Tampines Group Representation Constituency (GRC) Baey Yam Keng said: "Certainly, this is good news for Singaporeans.
"As you know, we have an ageing population -- there are fewer children to take care of parents now. So, with increasing healthcare costs that's certainly a concern. And I think it'd be good to tap on Medisave or Medifund to help families to ease those burdens."
MP for Marine Parade GRC Tin Pei Ling said: "From my area in MacPherson, it's a mature estate with (many) elderly residents.
"And I have seen firsthand how many of them are struggling with healthcare costs, even with the subsidies.
"So I am heartened to hear that... (the government)... will be reviewing the (Medifund) criteria and look at ways (of) expanding the coverage to help these senior citizens cope with their healthcare costs."
MP for Marine Parade GRC Fatimah Lateef said: "The review of the nursing home criteria and places is also a welcome change, all in line with our development for managing the elderly and the onslaught of the silver tsunami problem."
SOURCE: The Channel News Asia
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