Written Reply by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen to Parliamentary Question on Mental Health Concerns

Mr Ong Teng Koon: To ask the Minister for Defence whether the Ministry can mandate (i) regular interviews for NSF officers with their commanding officers to identify and support those who require assistance including mental health concerns and (ii) the setting up of channels where NSF officers can give feedback about suspected mental health concerns or unusual behaviour of their peers.

Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen:

The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) had already replied to Mr Ong's oral question on some of these aspects recently and they are on the record. We will therefore only address new queries specifically.

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) stands guided by the professional input from its panel of psychologists and psychiatrists that a more flexible and responsive monitoring system is required rather than a single item of mandatory interviews to identify those with mental health issues. Commanders at all levels are expected to engage those under their charge, including full-time National Serviceman (NSF) officers, through different ways including interviews. As part of their training, all officers are also taught to identify signs and symptoms of mental and emotional distress.

Soldiers are also encouraged to flag such persons for further assistance. The SAF has para-counsellors in every unit and psychologists in the divisions to provide frontline support. In addition, there is also a 24-hour counselling hotline for all servicemen. These channels apply to all NSFs, including NSF officers, so that those facing mental health issues can be identified through multiple avenues for a more comprehensive mental health support and monitoring system.