Nine out of 10 needy residents who went to a health screening last year discovered they had medical problems that needed attention.

The South West Community Development Council, which organised the screening with Jurong Health Services, revealed this figure yesterday as it held a similar event at Jurong Medical Centre.

Apart from the usual tests such as those for chronic diseases and colo- rectal cancer, there was a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) screening. Practitioners were on hand to provide pulse readings and tuina, which is a back massage involving pressure points .

Ms Low Yen Ling, Mayor of South West District, who was at the event, said the TCM element was introduced in response to feedback from the elderly, who made up most of those attending.

"We have always checked with them on the areas they would like us to look at, and many of them said that if there's a way to include TCM, it would certainly be a welcome addition," she said.

More than 500 people attended last year's screenings. Yesterday's session drew around 200, and there will be another on Nov 29.

A mobile dental screening and a new type of eye check were also conducted yesterday.

South West Community Development Council is taking part in a study involving the use of automated software called Eye-Ris which can detect eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.

Housewife Lakhwinder Gurdave, 39, who has eye problems, said: "It's the first time I get to check for all of them. I'm happy they have such a service."

Jalelah Abu Baker