Raymond's letter to The New Paper: "Extending primary care scheme the way to go"

My letter on the above subject is published in The New Paper today, Wednesday 8 June 2011, page 18.



Apart from housing, health-care costs is another grave concern for Singaporeans, especially the elderly, many of whom are struggling with chronic illnesses and have limited savings.

I am encouraged that Health Minister Gan Kim Yong has said that the Primary Care Partnership Scheme (PCPS) could be extended.

At the moment, subsidies for senior citizens start at the age of 65. One way to reward our seniors who have contributed to the economy is to allow the use of the subsidies from 62 instead.

Positive living

Such a move will cause less anxiety to these seniors, leading to more positive living and better health.

Extending the PCPS island-wide also makes sense as many senior citizens have difficulty getting about.

This way, low-income Singaporeans, including the elderly, who want to visit clinics will find it easy to see the general practitioner near their homes.

On a separate matter, could the authorities look into the bus stop at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH).

I hope the Transport Minister can advise the relevant bus company to re-route its present services to ply the institute's grounds so that visitors will find it more convenient to visit patients. It would be useful for the IMH staff as well.

RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO