GE2025: SDP candidates criticise Health Minister Ong Ye Kung over alleged lack of attention towards caregivers and mental health
Two of Singapore Democratic Party's (SDP) rally speakers alleged Ong Ye Kung neglected caregivers and mental health issues in his time as Minister for Health.
Speaking first on Sunday (April 27), Sembawang GRC candidate James Gomez said that Ong is «underperforming» in his role.
«Walk around our neighbourhoods... More elderly citizens [are] navigating coffee shops, supermarkets, void decks, walkways and traffic lights... [on] mobility devices, wheelchairs, walking aids, often accompanied by caregivers,» he said, adding that many of them are not professional caregivers, but younger family members.
Dr Gomez continued that Ong has failed to put in place a multi-faceted support mechanism for caregivers, saying: «Singaporeans are already stretched thin — balancing careers, raising children and now caring for our seniors.
»And they are doing it mostly alone, unpaid, while coping with tremendous internal family stress.
«This is a crisis... taking place in the face of an unresponsive, underperforming Health Minister Ong Ye Kung. He has held this position for nearly four years, since May 2021, and still underperforming,» he added.