Ministry Of Health's Commemoration Ceremony

18 Jul 2003

The Ministry of Health, together with National Healthcare Group, Singapore Health Services, Health Promotion Board and Health Sciences Authority, is organising a commemoration ceremony in remembrance of those who succumbed to Sars and in honour of healthcare workers for their determination and perseverance in their fight against Sars.

This ceremony will be held on Tuesday, 22 July 2003, 6.30pm at the Singapore Botanic Gardens (Palm Valley). Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong will be the Guest of Honour for the ceremony.

The programme for the ceremony entails performances by the Singapore Chinese Orchestra and the Tampines Primary School Choir.

The programme will also feature the dedication of the "Tree of Life" - the Tembusu tree, to the nation. The Tembusu is a strong and hardy tree that is native to Singapore. It thrives even under adverse conditions. It is meant to be a symbol of the national resilience and unity of Singaporeans in the fight against SARS. The Singapore Botanic Gardens will be the custodian of this Tree of Life.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) will be issuing a $2 commemorative coin as a tribute to healthcare workers in recognition of their dedication and commitment. The design on the coin features a healthcare attendant, surgeon, doctor, virologist and nurse. As a gesture of appreciation, MAS will present these coins to healthcare workers who have been involved in the fight against SARS. Deputy Prime Minister/Chairman MAS, Mr Lee Hsien Loong will present the coins to representatives from the National Healthcare Group (NHG), Singapore Health Services (SingHealth), Health Promotion Board, Health Sciences Authority and the Ministry of Health at the commemorative ceremony. These coins will also be available for sale to the public from 22 July 03.

The ceremony will be attended by the next-of-kin of the deceased, recovered patients, members of the Sars Combat Team and Sars Ministerial Committee, representatives from NHG, SingHealth, Health Promotion Board, Health Sciences Authority, Nursing Homes, Community and Private Hospitals, professional bodies and agencies involved in the fight against Sars. About 3,000 people are expected.

Members of the public are welcome to join the ceremony. Those who wish to attend the ceremony are to note the following points:

• Use the entrances at the Visitors' Centre, Bukit Timah Road and Minden Gate.

• Carparks at Dempsey Road and Singapore Management University will be closed to the public.

• As there is a limited number of parking lots in the vicinity of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, it is advisable to take public transport instead of self-drive to the ceremony.

• There will be temperature checkpoints to screen visitors to the ceremony. If you are having a fever, please refrain from attending the ceremony.

• Please bring along an umbrella, in case it rains.

The programme will start at 6.30pm and is expected to last about two hours. The ceremony will be postponed to a later date if there is a heavy downpour. Public announcements will be made over the television and radio stations on the day of the ceremony in the event of postponement.