17. The aim of the Ministry of Health is to encourage older persons to be self-reliant and to take care of themselves by providing a complete health care system which is equitable, affordable, efficient, technologically appropriate and consumer friendly. The emphasis of the future health care system is the quality, innovation, health promotion, respect for human dignity, promotion of individual responsibility and promotion of community participation. 60 18. The National Health Policy for Older Persons which was introduced in 2008 seeks to empower individual, family and community to obtain better and optimum health care services. It further acknowledges that planning and implementation of health care services for older persons must appropriately address the specific needs of each older person. As such, the National Policy focuses on health promotion, provision of a continuum of comprehensive healthcare services, human resource planning and development (such as training and specialise in elderly health care), information system, research and development, collaboration within the agencies and sector and legislation. 19. The main service providers of health care for older persons are hospital, clinic and other types of health care institutions. In general, the services that are provided by the hospital includes acute medical care, long term care, Psychogeriatric care, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, clinical pharmacy, counselling; and health clinic services is focused on health promotion, health evaluation and screening, medical check–up, treatment and counselling, home visits, health-related recreation activities. 20. Dr. Sharon stressed that empowering the right to health for older persons should be based on personal growth (health awareness and goals, healthy choices), self acceptance, social support (family, friends, community, retirement funds etc.) and social services utilisation (right to health care and the rights of older persons). She further flagged the following three positive outcomes of self empowerment based on an UK study: a. Local services become more responsive to local condition b. Health needs are met, fewer visits to health care providers c. Improved access to services, accountability and satisfaction 60 It was formulated within the context of existing international and national actions including Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing 1982, Asia Pacific International Plan of Action on ageing, National Policy of the Older Persons, Plan of Action for National Policy of the Older Person and National Plan of Action for Health Care of Older Person 1997. REPORT ON CARE SERVICES FOR OLDER PERSONS AND SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS 75