Scope to expand healthcare programmes for elderly: Koh Poh Koon

SINGAPORE: The People’s Action Party candidate for the Punggol East by—election, Dr Koh Poh Koon said he wants to expand health screening and preventive care programmes for the elderly.

If elected, he plans to set up a wellness centre for seniors within a soon—to—be—built Community Centre in Punggol East.

Dr Koh was speaking to reporters after meeting worshippers outside St Anne’s church on Punggol Road on Sunday morning.

Among the worshippers was Workers’ Party chairman Sylvia Lim.

Ms Lim and Dr Koh exchanged greetings and a friendly handshake.

Dr Koh also said he will look into improving the mobility needs of elderly residents such as building more rest stops like benches for seniors.

As for funding and details of the wellness centre, he said plans are still in the making.

Dr Koh said: "(For) the Community Centre itself, we have already begun fundraising since the last predecessor (former MP) was here. To date, we have raised about close to 50 per cent of the funds. We will push forward with more fundraising to ensure we can start the ground—breaking in the near term."

On Workers’ Party candidate Ms Lee Li Lian’s proposal for those above 75 to have unrestricted use of Medisave funds, Dr Koh said it is important to balance immediate needs and the long term.

"Although it is the resident and patient’s money, we also have to be very prudent gatekeepers because there can be things where you can over—commit your Medisave, and you don’t have enough for retirement, so we do need to strike a balance."

He also commented on Workers’ Party chairman Sylvia Lim’s call for voters to put another woman in Parliament.

"Selecting an MP is selecting someone to serve the needs of a wide spectrum of the population. So gender shouldn’t really play a role. All MPs should take care of different segments of the demographic equally well," said Dr Koh.

— CNA/ck/fa