83rd Installation Ceremony – Dr. Lam Pin Min
Message from Special Guest
Dr. Lam Pin Min
Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Transport & Ministry of Health
Since 1901, Sian Chay Medical Institution has been providing free Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Service to the poor and needy in the community. Sian Chay Medical Institution, under the leadership of Mr. Toh Soon Huat, has kept pace with the rapid development of Singapore and the rising expectations of Singaporeans by broadening its scope of services. Sian Chay started modestly with one clinic staffed by only two physicians, a dispenser, and a TCM assistant. However, since its expansion plan began in 2012, it has grown significantly to having 15 branches with 100 TCM staff and 10 corporate staff serving over 1,200 patients daily.
Of note is Sian Chay Medical Institution’s philosophy of serving Singaporeans of all races. As a result, it is now the TCM Institution serving the highest percentage of non-Chinese patients in Singapore. In recent years, elderly patients, especially those belonging to the pioneer generation, represent over 40% of the total number of patient visits. In addition, Sian Chay also actively participates in community activities such as Mother’s Day, Lantern Festival, Dragon Boat Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations, and has distributed over 25,000 walking aid umbrellas for the elderly, 5,000 rice dumplings as well as 10,000 goodie bags to the beneficiaries and low-income families.
The rapidly ageing population also translates to an increasing chronic disease burden and complexity in Singapore. Thus, it is also important to focus on preventive medicine, and the government is encouraging Singaporeans to eat healthily and exercise regularly. As a TCM charity, Sian Chay is also educating Singaporeans to understand the concept of ‘prevention is better than cure’. Even as Sian Chay expands its outreach to more people, it is not easy to sustain the rising medical cost. I am delighted to note that a group of benevolent donors have stepped up to contribute financially to support the good works of Sian Chay!
Mr. Toh Soon Huat, Chairman of Sian Chay Medical Institution, has been advocating the five core values of “Forgiveness, Universal Love, Compassion, Gratitude and Blessing” which have permeated into the hearts of not only the patients but also the generous and kind-hearted donors.
I would like to express my gratitude to Sian Chay Medical Institution for their contribution to the society. And I certainly hope that the younger generation will imbibe this spirit of charity and selfless contribution to make our world a better place for all!
Thank you and warm blessings to all!