Medical Services
23. There are 4.2 hospital beds available per 1,000
population.
The present policy objective is 5.5 beds per
1,000 population, involving a building programme of five
major hospitals; and the network of clinics and polyclinics
is being continually expanded.
24.
Health charges are minimal and are waived for special
categories and in cases of hardship. Infant mortality, at
9.7% per 1,000 live births in 1981 (cf 17.7 in 1971) is
lower than in many developed countries and life expectancy
is one of the highest in the world.
Social Welfare
25. There is a non-contributory means-tested Public
Assistance Scheme to bring the incomes of needy households
up to a specific level. In addition to the basic scale,
supplementary assistance may be given to cover rent, school
expenses, special diets etc and an old age supplement is
paid to people over 60 who do not receive a Special Needs
Allowance. A Special Needs Allowance Scheme includes an
old age allowance (over 70 years of age) and a disability
allowance. Both the PA and SNA scales of payment are revised
annually to keep pace with the cost of living.
26. A wide range of welfare services is provided by the
Social Welfare Department and subvented agencies for target
groups (eg disabled, offenders, elderly).
7
/Railways