SINGAPORE – Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat was discharged from Tan Tock Seng Hospital today (June 25) after making an “excellent recovery” from a stroke.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the 54-year-old’s stroke had been caused by an aneurysm, which is a localised weakening of a blood vessel.
The minister collapsed during a Cabinet meeting on the evening of May 12 and was taken to the hospital immediately. It was later revealed that he had suffered a stroke.
In a Facebook post, Mr Heng said: “The last few weeks were the toughest of my life. I could get through this time because of the strong support from my family, great medical care, and the kindness from all of you”.
He went on to thank his colleagues who helped him when he collapsed in Cabinet, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) personnel who had aided him as well as the staff at the hospital.
He added that “prayers and good wishes” also made a difference and expressed gratitude for the prayers of “different religious groups”.
Mr Heng will be on medical leave as he continues his rehabilitation process. Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam will continue to cover his duties as Minister of Finance.
prabukm@sph.com.sg
