Responsiveness of Emergency Monitoring and Response Service at HDB's 2-room Flexi Flats for Seniors

101 Mr Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Health (a) whether there is a system of regular audits done in relation to the responsiveness of the emergency monitoring and response service at HDB's 2-room flexi flats for seniors; (b) what steps are being taken to ensure the reliability of this service; and (c) whether the service may be upgraded to the level for that in community care apartments.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: We understand that the Member has encountered a case where an elderly resident sounded the alarm at night, but the response from the neighbours only came an hour later. We are reviewing the response mechanism. Proper maintenance of hardware and prompt response will likely require various parties, such as the Housing and Development Board, Town Councils, Agency for Integrated Care, Active Ageing Centres and responders, such as the Police, Singapore Civil Defence Force, CISCO and neighbours, to come together.