Outreach to pioneer generation on track

EFFORTS to communicate the benefits of the Pioneer Generation Package to recipients have been gaining traction, Senior Minister of State for Health Amy Khor said yesterday.

For instance, more than a thousand health-care staff have been trained to address questions about the scheme.

Staff at Senior Activity Centres as well as Senior Care Centres, who are in frequent contact with those in the pioneer generation, will also help get the word out, she added.

This communications push comes amid concerns that many pioneers might still be in the dark about or have limited knowledge of the package, which was the centrepiece of this year's national Budget.

Dr Khor, who co-chairs the Pioneer Generation Taskforce with Senior Minister of State for Finance and Transport Josephine Teo, said the Government recognises the need to go beyond English and use vernacular languages in its outreach.

The taskforce has published advertorials about the Pioneer Generation Package in the Chinese, Malay and Tamil newspapers, and put out radio advertisements in six Chinese dialects, said Dr Khor.

Several groups of volunteers and organisations have also stepped forward to offer their help in reaching out to pioneers.

During yesterday's debate, Ms Tin Pei Ling (Marine Parade GRC) also highlighted the importance of raising awareness about the package.

Many among the pioneer generation have lived through tough times and had limited education, while a number may also have lost their family members and are fending for themselves, she said.

"It is imperative that we help our elderly to navigate our complex and seemingly daunting health-care system so that they can seek the treatment they need without fear," she added.

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