SINGAPORE - At the hospital where generations of Singaporeans were born, more than 400 pioneer healthcare workers were honoured on Saturday.

A tribute event was held at KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) to thank them for their contributions in helping Singapore achieve among the lowest rates of neonatal and paediatric mortality in the world.

Health Minister Gan Kim Yong told a packed auditorium at the event: "KKH is the birthplace of generations of Singaporeans who have gone on to contribute to the growth of Singapore in a variety of ways - whether as leaders, teachers, researchers, or even as healthcare professionals like you. As pioneers of this institution, you have played an important role in bringing into the world the future of out nation...The current generation carries the responsibility of keeping alive our Pioneers' spirit of perseverance, endurance, grit and resilience."

The pioneers were treated to a performance by the KKH choir, and regaled by recollections of two pioneers, Professor Phua Kong Boo, senior consultant of the paediatrics department's gastroenterology service, and assistant director of nursing Helena Mahesan. Mr Gan, together with Senior Minister of State for Health and Manpower Amy Khor, SingHealth's group CEO Ivy Ng, senior management of KKH and the pioneers also signed handprints that will be installed onto a new wall mural in the Children's Tower at the hospital.