Reply by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen to Parliamentary Question on Compensation

Mr Teo Siong Seng: To ask the Minister for Defence whether his Ministry provides adequate compensation for the long-term medical expenses and related costs of living for navy servicemen who are critically injured while on duty.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen: Mdm Speaker, first let me thank the Member for his concern over the care and rehabilitation of our injured servicemen. Unfortunately, every military force will encounter death and disability among its servicemen. And it is therefore important that our compensation and welfare frameworks provide the necessary assistance and support to affected servicemen and their families. Let me explain our compensation and welfare framework.

First, MINDEF will pay for all medical expenses for treatment of injured servicemen at government and restructured hospitals or clinics.  This includes the costs of medical supplies and equipment, counselling and psychiatric care for as long as required by the serviceman.

Second, injured serviceman will receive lump sum compensation based on the degree of permanent disability sustained. The amount is doubled for disabilities that result during military training or operations. Additional amounts are also provided to servicemen with total permanent disability for their constant care.

Third, the SAF will aim to re-deploy disabled servicemen to vocations that fit their abilities.

Fourthly, the SAF Benevolent Fund provides discretionary amounts in welfare support to our injured servicemen and their families. For example, a serviceman with total permanent disability will receive a one-off grant, as well as a monthly allowance for at least three years.

In summary, MINDEF has frameworks in place to provide financial compensation and welfare support for disabled servicemen to take care of their health care, long term rehabilitation and daily needs, as well as assist their families financially. The amounts are significantly higher than that disbursed under the Work Injury Compensation Act and the civil courts.

Some members will know that ME2 Jason Chee, a Navy serviceman who was seriously injured as a result of an incident on 10 Dec last year. ME2 Jason Chee will receive full support from the various schemes that I have talked about. Following the incident, we have witnessed many acts of compassion by fellow Singaporeans.  Many have expressed condolences, donated blood and monetary contributions to help in the long term care of ME2 Chee and his family. I am deeply touched and thankful for this outpouring of public support for our servicemen. The strong public support for our injured servicemen will go a long way in strengthening their resolve and the resolve of our armed forces as they do their duty in defending Singapore.