Speech by SPS At the Launch of the SingHealth Humanitarian Relief Programme

01 Jul 2009

By Hawazi Daipi

Mr Peter Seah, Chairman, SingHealth

Professor Tan Ser Kiat, Group CEO, SingHealth

Mr Christopher Chua, Secretary-General, Singapore Red Cross

Mr Hassan Ahmad, Chief Executive, Mercy Relief

SingHealth Humanitarian Relief Volunteers

Ladies and Gentlemen

Introduction

1 Good afternoon!

2 I am pleased to be with you today for the launch of the Singhealth Humanitarian Relief Programme, or SHRP, as you reaffirm your commitment to building and expanding your humanitarian relief work.

3 Over the years, SingHealth, and the healthcare family in Singapore, have proven to be firm and reliable friends as you provide urgent medical aid in numerous humanitarian relief efforts. Whether it was the Asian Tsunami in 2004, Kashmir quake in 2005, Java quake in 2006, and more recently, Cyclone Nargis and the Yemen flood last year, your unfailing support and quick response have helped to ease the suffering of countless victims of disasters. You have done Singapore and Singaporeans proud. I am sure that the many individuals, families and communities displaced by the disaster received not only the urgent medical attention they needed, but felt the care and concern that would come from a good neighbour.

Singapore’s role in humanitarian aid

4 By virtue of our geographical location, Singapore is fortunate to have been largely spared from natural disasters and catastrophes. Unfortunately, not all countries are similarly fortunate.

5 Combining our strengths in medical capabilities and resources with the generous spirit of volunteerism, Singaporeans are well-positioned to lend a helping hand in times of disaster.

6 Voluntary welfare organisations such as the Singapore Red Cross and Mercy Relief are veterans in the field of humanitarian relief. They have participated in numerous missions in many disaster-stricken countries, providing basic necessities like food and clean water to the victims and in helping affected communities rebuild their lives. Healthcare professionals like you play a critical role too – in administering immediate medical aid, and setting up and manning makeshift hospitals to cater to a wide range of acute healthcare needs.

7 I would also like to commend the team who put together and published the handbook for volunteers. You have found a meaningful way to share with other volunteers your knowledge and what you have learnt first-hand from past missions. It is a comprehensive guide for volunteers by volunteers and I am confident it will be a valuable resource for many.

8 I applaud the teamwork between SingHealth and the partner organisations. There is great potential for the cross-sharing of skills, know-how and resources. I have no doubt that your strong collaboration will result in a greater good as you continue to serve the needs of the community at large.

Working together

9 On behalf of my Ministry, I congratulate SingHealth on the official launch of SHRP, and look forward to working closely with the SHRP on humanitarian relief work when the need arises.

10 Thank you.