Press Releases

Limited public resources will be used in the most optimal manner

The Government is committed to ensure that the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) Scheme is effective and sustainable in the long run and that limited public resources are used in the most optimal manner to meet the rising caseload, the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong said.

As at the end of January 2003, CSSA cases have risen to 267,610, showing an increase of 0.4 per cent over last month and an increase of nine per cent compared to January last year.

In a meeting with representatives of the Livelihood Alliance today (February 11), Dr Yeoh reiterated that the deflationary adjustment of CSSA rates being considered would not affect the recipients' basic and essential quality of living.

"In accordance with the established adjustment mechanism based on the movements of the specially compiled Social Security Assistance Index of Prices, the proposed adjustment is meant to restore the purchasing power of the recipients to maintain the standard of living intended by the CSSA Scheme.

"We need to channel our finite resources in helping people in need and maintain the sustainability of the system, having regard to the rising number of CSSA caseload and increasing social security spending," Dr Yeoh said.

In response to the Alliance's concern in health care fees and charges, Dr Yeoh reiterated that the Government would not depart from its long-held policy that no one would be denied adequate medical care due to lack of means.

"We are working on an enhanced medical fee assistance scheme to ensure that the fee restructuring does not affect disproportionately the vulnerable groups such as the lower-income group, elderly with limited means and chronic patients," he said.

End/Tuesday, February 11, 2003
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