Elderly missioners who have served most of their lifetime in Taiwan will enjoy the same benefits as local elderly people thanks to a new scheme effective from June 1.

President Ma Ying-jeou told medical workers at Taipei Mackay Hospital during a visit that the scheme will be named after Dr. George Leslie Mackay (1844-1901), founder of the hospital.

The scheme will allow foreign missioners who are 65 years old and over and who have served in Taiwan for more than 20 years to enjoy half-price fares on public transport and entry to public and educational institutions, such as museums and zoos.

Tsai Chiung-yao, an interior ministry official, said the benefits were promised by the president when he visited elderly Catholic priests and nuns in March.