Festive frolics: Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong distributes mooncakes during his Mid-Autumn Festival visit to the Chai Wan District Elderly Community Centre.

Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong has reiterated the Government's commitment to providing appropriate and quality services for the elderly.

He said the Government will work with the Hospital Authority to expand the visiting medical officer scheme to enhance outreach medical support for elderly home residents.

It will also provide additional infirmary beds in non-hospital settings and provide funding to upgrade elderly homes into long-term care facilities.

"The objective of our long-term care programme is to provide quality and cost-effective care for our elders and appropriate support for their carers," Dr Yeoh said, adding there are over 26,700 subsidised elderly residential care facilities, up 63% on 1997-98.

Elderly assistance to continue

On the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance second phase downward adjustment set for October 1, Dr Yeoh said there was no question the Government was retreating from its commitment to providing a safety net for the needy.

"I understand the concern of the community, but the current adjustment was made to reflect the continuous deflation recorded over a three-year period."

Dr Yeoh said apart from the standard payouts, elderly recipients are entitled to a wide range of special grants and free medical services at public hospitals and clinics. There is also a host of support and assistance services for them.