How it started

The Parkinson’s Disease Society (Singapore.) was founded on 17th December 1996 by a few concerned doctors and carers of Parkinson’s disease sufferers. The founding members were Dr Adrian Tan, Dr Chong Piang Ngok and Mr Tan Geok Tian. The Society was gazetted on 27th December 1996. The first Public Forum entitled “Parkinson’s Disease: Will it afflict you?” was held at the Raffles City Convention Centre on 20 July 1997.

Since then the Society has ran a hosts of programmes and activities including Annual General Meetings, annual public forums, support group meetings, outings, newsletters and the publication of an information booklet. Its membership has also grown to more than 150 members. These include patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals. The Society is also a member of the National Council of Social Services. Most of its income is derived from voluntary donations and fund raising activities.

Objectives

1. To establish and operate projects rendering service to persons suffering from Parkinson’s disease.

2. To encourage and promote research and other activities relating to the prevention, diagnosis, causes and treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

3. To co-operate with all relevant public and private agencies in services for persons suffering from Parkinson’s disease.

4. To collect, compile and disseminate information on causes, prevention, research programmes and available aids to combat Parkinson’s disease, and to carry on a vigorous general public education programme within this field.

5. Generally to do what may be required to give effect and carry forward the purposes of this Society without discriminating against any person or organization because of race or religion.

Logo

PDSS has a new and vibrant logo! The words are much bigger and the colours brighter. The circle and lines in the centre represent the brain cell body and its branches. It is surrounded by an imperfect circle, representing the abnormal mobility in Parkinson’s disease. The green and orange colour depict the ‘on’ and ‘off’ phenomenon seen in some patients. The words “Parkinson’s Disease Society Singapore” form the base, showing the Society’s full support for people living with Parkinson’s disease.

The logo was designed by Mrs Margaret Chiam, caregiver of a Parkinson’s disease sufferer.
Patient Welfare Fund

Objectives of the Patient Welfare Fund

Parkinson’s Disease Society (Singapore) recognizes the financial constraints faced by its members to cope with expensive medication and even daily maintenance, especially those who have to give up their jobs as a result of their medical condition. The Patient Welfare Subcommittee is thus formed to provide financial assistance (in cash and in kind) for this group of needy patients.
It is meant as a temporary relief and the duration of aid for each application is subjected to approval and periodic review every 3 months. Each application will be considered on case-to-case merits, supported with relevant documents and reasons.

The Subcommittee members meet once a month. If approved, the aid would be disbursed on a monthly basis for 3 months, at a cap of $100 per month. Further extension of aid for needy cases will be subjected to the Medical Social Worker’s recommendation and the Committee’s approval.

Eligibility Criteria

The Patient Welfare Fund is designed to help the members of the Parkinson’s Disease Society, who are facing genuine financial difficulties, with their medical expenses and illness-related expenses.
Only Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents who do not qualify for government financial assistance schemes, such as Medifund, are eligible to apply for this Patient Welfare Fund.

In addition to meeting the abovestated criteria, the professional assessment of the Subcommittee reserves the final right to decide if the applicant qualifies for the Patient Welfare fund.

Approved Expenses
A. Types of Medical Expenses

– Medication (standard and non-standard)
– Mobility aids / assistive equipment

B. Other Expenses

– Maintenance
– Children’s education expenses