SINGAPORE - As pioneer healthcare professionals, they helped the sick get well and the healthy stay well, developed policies, organised programmes and ran new facilities.

On Saturday, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong paid tribute to them at a lunch event at Mandarin Orchard.

"Many of you may be modest and say, 'No lah, I did not build any hospitals or new nursing homes, I didn't do anything special. I was just doing my job'," he said to over 400 seniors who are current and former staff of the Ministry of Health and 10 other agencies. As we look back over the last five decades, no matter how big or small you think your role has been, the progress and achievement we have today is a result of the dedication and hard work from each one of you."

The guests mingled over music and dance performances and a six-course lunch.

"I hope the current generation will be inspired by the pioneers' dedication, resourcefulness and farsightedness, then translate that inspiration into action. The best way we can thank and honour our pioneers is to do justice to their legacy, to work hard for a future that will be better for our children and their children," added Mr Gan.