Like all inmates, O.K. Lim will be assessed upon his admission by a prison medical officer on his housing requirements and mobility issues. - Photo: ST
SINGAPORE: Hin Leong founder Lim Oon Kuin, 82, will be assessed by a medical officer in prison if he fails in his appeal against his conviction over three charges of cheating and forgery, and a jail sentence of 17 years and six months.
In response to queries from The Straits Times, the Singapore Prison Service (SPS) said that like all inmates, Lim, who is reliant on a wheelchair and has several medical conditions, will be assessed upon his admission by a prison medical officer on his housing requirements and mobility issues.
“The necessary follow-up appointments with public healthcare institutions will also be scheduled to ensure continuity of care during his incarceration,” it added.
Lim, better known as O.K. Lim, was sentenced on Monday (Nov 18) in what prosecutors described as “one of the most serious cases of trade financing fraud that have ever been prosecuted in Singapore”.
State Courts judge Toh Han Li gave a reduction of one year’s imprisonment on account of Lim’s old age after considering the long sentence to be imposed, but did not give further reduction on account of his medical conditions.
The judge said SPS’ account of its housing facilities submitted to the court does consider and cater to Lim’s medical conditions, and this meant that it has the capability to address his medical conditions to an acceptable standard, even if it may not be the best medical standard.
Lim’s medical conditions include anxiety, depression, insomnia, a large prostate, asthma, coronary artery disease and cerebral vascular disease with cognitive impairment and sensorineural hearing loss.In its reply to ST, SPS said all inmates in its custody receive the same treatment and are subject to the same prison rules and processes.
They are assessed by a prison medical officer upon their admission and have access to medical services throughout their incarceration, SPS said.
The medical officer will make a clinical judgment based on the inmate’s condition and clinical needs to determine his housing arrangements and required aids.
Inmates with more chronic medical conditions may be assessed to be suitable to be housed in a medical ward for close medical monitoring.
Inmates can also be deemed suitable to be placed in the assisted living correctional unit, which is catered for inmates who have physical disabilities and mobility issues that require an assisted living environment.
Mobility issues, and not age, are the primary consideration in assigning an inmate an assisted living cell, SPS said.
“This is to ensure the cells serve their intended purpose of providing care and support to those who genuinely need it,” it added.
It also said there are currently about 60 inmates in the assisted living correctional unit. The cells are retrofitted and equipped with accessibility features, such as sitting toilets for ease of use, grab bars and anti-slip flooring to prevent falls, wheelchair-accessible television rooms and bedding to help the inmates perform their daily activities.
Inmates in the unit will also be provided with a walking aid, such as a walking frame or wheelchair, if the medical officer assesses it to be necessary.
Beds are also provided to facilitate safe movement and transfers, particularly for inmates who require assistance when transferring to their wheelchairs or commodes, SPS said.
The officers deployed in the assisted living correctional unit undergo certified basic caregiver training to equip them with the skills and knowledge to better support the inmates under their care.
The ratio of prison officers to inmates in the unit is similar to that of the other correctional units, SPS added.
It said all inmates are able to report sick at any time should they feel unwell and they are accorded the necessary medical care by prison medical officers, prison psychiatrists and supporting medical personnel.
“Those who require specialist attention and medical care may be referred to public healthcare institutions. Preventive health measures, including vaccinations, are provided to eligible and willing inmates,” SPS added. - The Straits Times/ANN
