Written Reply by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen to Parliamentary Question on Compensation for Service-Related Injuries Sustained During Full-Time National Service

Mr Ang Wei Neng: To ask the Minister for Defence for the past five years (a) what is the number of full-time NSmen who (i) suffered service-related injuries (ii) received compensation for service-related injuries suffered during their full-time NS; and (b) what is the amount of compensation paid to NSmen who suffered service-related injuries during their full-time NS.

Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen:

From 2016 to 2020, just less than 500, or about 1.5% of each cohort sustained service-related injuries. The majority of injuries were minor with full recovery after treatment. Of these, about 150 NSFs were eligible for compensation. The amounts of compensation vary considerably depending on the type of injury. Higher compensations were awarded to four NSFs who suffered fractures with residual disability or loss of function. One of these was injured due to a car accident while on the way to camp but was covered under our compensation schemes.

Compensation schemes for service-related injuries are tiered to address different circumstances and severity of injury. The basic tier in the form of Group Term Life and Group Personal Accident insurance policies provides the widest coverage. MINDEF purchases these policies for all servicemen for a baseline pay out, should any of them suffer permanent disability while in service. In addition to compensation amounts provided by this group insurance scheme, additional amounts are provided by MINDEF depending on the severity and circumstances related to the injury.

Medical treatment for all service-related injuries are fully funded, whether within SAF medical facilities or public healthcare institutions, and includes outpatient treatment costs. If the injury results in discharge from service or requires prolonged medical or hospitalisation leave, further compensation is provided.

The total compensation amounts from these various schemes for service-related injuries take reference from civilian schemes, principally the Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA). For the same injury, the compensation received by NSFs would be more. For example, for permanent disability arising from service-related injuries sustained due to military operations or training, the total compensation provided is at least two times that for permanent disability compensation under the WICA.

We are mindful that no amount of compensation would fully make up for the contributions and sacrifices of our servicemen. To ensure that our injured servicemen and their families are well cared for, MINDEF also provides other forms of support on a case-by-case basis depending on their needs, including counselling, emotional support and assistance with medical and other arrangements.