35. Some participants also suggested that eligible older persons should receive automatic pension payment regardless of whether or not they were former government servants. It was further suggested that older persons who had contributed to the country such as in sports should be recognised and appropriately rewarded. Health care of Older Persons 36. On the issue of government servants or pensioners who receive health treatment in and obtain prosthesis from public hospitals, it is noted that there is long waiting queue for patients. If the patients opt to receive health treatment or prosthesis in private hospitals, the cost would be borne by the patients. Dr. Sharon Lim responded that in the meantime, there is no existing policy for reimbursement should the older person undergo treatment/medical procedures in private hospitals. However, there is a negotiation on the possible collaboration between public and private health care provider under 1CARE health care system, patients could choose treatment either at public or private hospital if social health insurance is subscribed to. However, this new scheme is still premature since it is still under discussion. 37. Due to the lack of resources in public hospitals, older persons are sometimes forced to wait longer to access medical services. This has led to a perception that older persons are being discriminated against when in fact the issue is far reaching and prevalent throughout the health care system and affect every age group. However, the government has taken steps to overcome this challenge and have, among others, encouraged hospitals to extend operation procedures to Saturdays. 38. Pertaining to the abuse of older person, Dr. Sharon Lim explained that at the government hospital, there is one stop crisis centre for women but not for older persons. However, the hospital could refer those cases involving abuse of older persons to the social welfare department and police. En. Jais Bin Asri added that the Sabah Social Welfare Department has a one stop counselling centre to deal with such cases and there are existing cooperation and understanding with hospitals that suspected cases of abuse should be immediately referred to them. REPORT ON CARE SERVICES FOR OLDER PERSONS AND SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS 81