SINGAPORE: A new wellness programme has been launched in the opposition wards of Aljunied and Hougang.
The pilot, called the Wellness Bus Programme, is a collaboration between grassroots organisations in the two constituencies and community health cooperative The Good Life. It is also supported by the PAP Community Foundation, as well as the Tote Board.
Launching it on Sunday (Jul 12), Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said the new project aims to bring health education and services to the doorstep of residents.
When asked why the programme was kicking off in Aljunied and Hougang - which is under opposition Workers' Party - Mr Gan said the pilot is primarily a "ground up initiative" and in response to feedback from seniors who want mobile access to healthcare facilities.
He added: "We have a lot of other initiatives in other wards as well."
The Wellness Bus seeks to provide full health assessments for 800 seniors, immunisation for 2,000 seniors and bring health literacy to about 10,000 seniors. The buses will also return to each site they have visited on a regular basis. Such regular stops will facilitate follow-up with residents, beyond just a one-off interaction.
Mr Gan said the latest initiative rides on other programmes to prepare Singapore for an ageing population. They include the Pioneer Generation Package and MediShield Life.
Chairperson of The Good Life Cooperative Dr Carol Tan said the project will be introduced in other constituencies depending on requests by the community. She said, so far, Hong Kah and Choa Chu Kang constituencies have expressed interest.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/new-wellness-programme/1978694.html?cid=fbsg