Called MediWheels, the programme aims to provide a highly-subsidised and affordable community medical transport service to frail, needy elderly and residents with special needs.
They will pay S$5 to S$30 for a two-way trip.
MediWheels also includes a mobility scooter rental scheme to enhance community interaction for needy residents with mobility limitations, and a medical concierge service where volunteers will befriend and also accompany elderly on their medical appointments.
The programme is funded by Central Singapore CDC and sponsors.
It will undergo a six-month trial in Ang Mo Kio-Hougang constituency before rolling out to Ang Mo Kio GRC and Sengkang West SMC .
MediWheels was launched on Sunday by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong , who is also the Adviser to Ang Mo Kio GROs, Sam Tan, Mayor of Central Singapore District and Yeo Guat Kwang, Adviser to Ang Mo Kio-Hougang GROs at the AAC Intergeneration Carnival.
"Many residents with elderly parents tell me that they find it difficult to transport their wheelchair-bound elderly parents for their medical check-ups. Apart from the financial cost of taking a taxi, they also have to take leave from work. This prompted me to think about how we can help - not just in providing transport and medical escort services - but also in ensuring the safety and well-being of the elderly," said Mr Yeo, in explaining the conception of the MediWheels programme.
Going forward, to provide additional social support and care, grassroots leaders and volunteers from Ang Mo Kio-Hougang constituency will help accompany seniors for their medical appointments and relay doctor's instructions to family members under a medical concierge service.
This way, family members need not apply for leave and can rest assured their elderly parents or loved ones are well taken care of.
Needy residents will also benefit from the MediWheels mobility scooter rental scheme.
For just S$10 a month, needy residents with mobility limitations can rent motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooters to go out of their house and move around in the neighbourhood.
"This enhances their interaction with the community, and increases their independence and confidence", said Mr Yeo.
Each scooter costs between S$1,500 to S$3,000.
One such beneficiary of MediWheels is 56-year-old Tan Kim Seng, an amputee.
After his leg was amputated, he fell into depression as he could no longer move around freely and felt trapped in the house.
With the mobility scooter component of MediWheels, he can now rent a mobility scooter and look forward to zipping around in the neighbourhood, catching up with his friends and regaining his independence.
The Central Singapore CDC is funding the MediWheels programme for S$100,000.
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