Committee of Supply 2024 debate, Day 5: Gerald Giam on healthcare subsidies for PWDs or persons with special needs and creating a smoke-free generation

In Parliament on Tuesday (Mar 5), MP Gerald Giam proposed that persons with disabilities (PWDs) as well as persons with special needs receive special subsidies under the Community Health Assistance Scheme (CHAS). He added that they should also receive additional MediSave top-ups and more subsidies for intermediate- and long-term care. He also suggested that the Ministry of Health track the number of individuals under CHAS who are PWDs or persons with special needs, so as to better understand the healthcare expenses and needs of this group of Singaporeans. On creating a smoke-free generation, he also urged the Government to implement a cohort smoking ban for all individuals born on or after 2010.