Following is the speech by the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong, at the launch ceremony of the Yan Chai Tetraplegic Fund today (September 17):

Raymond, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

It gives me great pleasure to be here today with you for the formal launching of the Yan Chai Tetraplegic Fund.

In the past few months, I met with some tetraplegic patients and listened to their concerns and special needs for living in the community. I was deeply impressed by their perseverance in the face of hardship and their determination to return to community living. We must give them our full support.

Today, I am glad to witness the setting up of the Yan Chai Tetraplegic Fund, which provides financial assistance to support their living in the community. The fund is also a good example of partnership between community organisations and government in providing care and support for people with disabilities.

Lastly, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Chairman Lee, Yan Chai Hospital Board and other generous donors for their endeavour in setting up the fund. Under the management of Yan Chai and with the support of our caring community, I am confident that the fund would help lead a better tomorrow for our tetraplegic patients. Thank you.

Ends/Friday, September 17, 2004

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