Better healthcare for elderly in Cheng San-Seletar

The elderly in Cheng San-Seletar Division can expect better accessibility and improved healthcare. Adviser to the Division's Grassroots Organisation, Ang Hin Kee, said the elderly wanted more independence. Mr Ang said: "Initially, we thought the elderly needed a lot of assistance and help but we realised what they wanted was to have an environment whereby they can move about and do their daily life with minimal fuss." New intervention programmes were catered to address their needs. Linkways have been built to connect HDB blocks with wet markets and bus stops. A target has also been set to provide 1000 needy families with a trolley of necessities such as rice and oil. The trolley will help residents carry the donated food more easily. A free medical clinic will also be ready at the end of this year, at Ang Mo Kio Block 425. Run by Thong Chai Medical Institution, the clinic will provide free traditional Chinese medicine consultations. About 30 per cent of the 50,000 residents of the predominantly HDB estate are above the age of 50.