Supply Chain Resiliency for Replacement Parts of Motorised Mobility Devices Covered Under Government Subsidy Schemes

The following question stood in the name of Dr Tan Wu Meng –

To ask the Minister for Health (a) whether vendors providing motorised mobility devices eligible for subsidy schemes such as the Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund or the Assistive Technology Fund are required to maintain adequate supply chains for replacement parts such as device batteries; and (b) whether such vendors are subject to responsiveness standards for device repairs including parts replacements.

The Minister of State for Health (Ms Rahayu Mahzam) (for the Minister for Finance): Mr Speaker, the Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF) and Assistive Technology Fund (ATF) provide eligible seniors and persons with disabilities with means-tested subsidies of up to 90% for assistive devices, including motorised mobility devices, its replacement parts and repairs.

SMF and ATF beneficiaries can purchase their subsidised motorised devices from vendors via different touch points including the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), public healthcare institutions and social service agencies. We do not impose device repairs and replacements standards on every vendor working with these touch points today. Clients who need greater assurance can purchase devices from vendors who offer warranties that ensures repairs and replacements are completed within a stipulated time period. For example, all vendors appointed by AIC offer such warranties.