Speech by Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Minister for Education and Second Minister for Finance, at the Official Opening of the West Point Hospital on Sunday, 25 November 2007, at 11.10 am, at West Point Hospital

SPEECH BY MR THARMAN SHANMUGARATNAM, MINISTER FOR EDUCATION & SECOND MINISTER FOR FINANCE, AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE WEST POINT HOSPITAL ON SUNDAY, 25 NOVEMBER 2007, AT 11.10 AM, AT WEST POINT HOSPITAL

Mr Ong Chu Poh,
Group Chairman & CEO, China Healthcare

Grassroots leaders

Residents and friends

1. This is a happy occasion as we gather for the official opening and open house of West Point Hospital. It is heartening to see members of the community and grassroots leaders from Taman Jurong, as well as Jurong Secondary’s school band, coming together for the occasion.

2. Many of us remember when this place was called Jurong Hospital many years ago. It has been quite a transformation since then, into what is now a community-oriented hospital that offers quality, multi-disciplinary medical services.

3. West Point Hospital’s ability to provide both acute and convalescent care, together with its rehabilitation centre, will be of great benefit to patients who live in the area. Its convenient location will help ease the strain on their families. I am also pleased to see that West Point has promised to charge significantly lower prices than other private hospitals for its services, as well as shorter waiting times. This will be appreciated by residents, as well as the business and industrial community in the area, as they can look forward to receiving affordable medical care within these newly renovated facilities.

4. Residents in the West will I am sure be in good hands with the dedicated team of specialists and medical experts at West Point Hospital, who are committed to serving the needs of the community.

5. I congratulate the Management and staff of West Point Hospital, and commend them for their commitment to the community. I urge all of you to make full use of the health checks available and participate in the various health activities lined up for you today. I wish everyone good health in the years to come.