Enhancing Availability and Affordability of Seamless Wheelchair-accessible Travel Options and Expanding List of Eligible Destinations Beyond Hospitals

36 Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Health in view of Singapore’s ageing population and increasing number of residents who require wheelchair accessibility, whether the Ministry will work with all private-hire transport platforms to (i) increase and regulate the availability and affordability of seamless wheelchair-accessible travel options and (ii) expand the list of eligible destinations for such services beyond just hospitals.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: The Government supports seniors and residents who require wheelchair-accessible transport through various schemes including the Medical Escort and Transport service under the Ministry of Health (MOH).

MOH and MSF also subsidise the cost of transport for seniors, including those on wheelchairs, to attend Government-funded senior and disability programmes through the Voluntary Welfare Organisation (VWO) Centre Based Transport services and VWO Transport Subsidy schemes.

Beyond means-tested transport services, there are private transport operators that provide point-to-point services for wheelchair users. Availability and cost of these services may be subject to private operators’ business decisions.

MOH will continue to monitor the range of accessible transport options for seniors on wheelchairs, to ensure that they can receive appropriate care and services.