The elderly and people in financial difficulty will continue to receive medical services from the Government.

Speaking on a radio programme today, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Yeoh Eng-kiong said the Government will subsidise 96% of the full costs of medical services after public healthcare fees are revised in April. At present, the subsidy level is 97%.

The elderly, low-income groups and chronically-ill patients seeking public medical services can get further assistance through the medical fee wavier mechanism.

Dr Yeoh stressed that medical social workers will be "flexible" in assessing patients' eligibility for a full or partial waiver. He said they will consider patients' clinical condition, their relationship with family as well as the assets limit in each case, and added that the Government will consider relaxing the asset limit of the elderly.