SAF's medical care system has made "impressive strides": External review panel

SINGAPORE - The Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF) medical care system was assessed by the external review panel on SAF safety (ERPSS) today, said the Ministry of Defence in a statement.

The panel reviewed the adequacy of the SAF's medical practices during a visit to its Medical Corps headquarters. The entourage also visited the Medical Simulation Training Centre to get a first-hand view of some of the training facilities available to the SAF's medical staff.

Panel member Professor Julian Thumboo, who heads the department of rheumatology at the Singapore General Hospital, commented that the SAF's medical support system has made "very impressive strides" in the last two decades, and is in some ways even more integrated than other aspects of the public healthcare system.

The electronic medical record that has been used for over 10 years, for instance, was only implemented in polyclinics and restructured hospitals in the last several years, noted Professor Thumboo.

He said: "In this, the SAF is leading the way. The electronic medical record allows for the sharing of information - it is basically the way forward for healthcare."

The ERPSS was established in October last year to provide an external assessment of the SAF's safety system. It is chaired by Singapore Press Holdings' chief executive officer Alan Chan and supported by a team of nine industry leaders, safety experts and professionals.

To date, the panel has visited the Basic Military Training Centre, Officer Cadet School, Specialist Cadet School and Exercise Golden Sand to assess their safety practices and recommend improvements.

huizhen@sph.com.sg