Response to TODAY Forum Letter on "SAF needs to improve basic IT services"

MINDEF Clarifies IPPT Health Screening

I refer to Mr Ian Tan Yong Hoe's letter "SAF needs to improve basic IT services" dated 27 Feb 2013.We thank Mr Tan for his feedback. The SAF performs regular health screening for our servicemen to ensure that they can participate safely in NS training.  In Mr Tan's case, there was a lapse in the processing of his blood test results by the medical centre, rather than an issue with the IT system.  As a result, there was a delay in the updating of Mr Tan's health screening results. We apologise to Mr Tan for the lapse. We have since contacted Mr Tan to explain the matter. We are also relooking the work processes at our medical centres to prevent a recurrence of such lapses.

We are continually looking for ways to improve our systems and processes to provide greater convenience for National Servicemen (NSmen).On Mr Tan's point on the shortened Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) window, we would like to clarify that the NS IPPT window remains at 12 months. In Apr 2011, we introduced an enhancement to the NS IPPT system to encourage regular fitness training and help NSmen pass their IPPT earlier or, if they require help, to have the option of participating in the Enhanced IPPT Preparatory Training to prepare themselves ahead of time. For those who are unable to pass after the first nine months, the remaining three months can then be focused on further fitness training.For queries on issues pertaining to health screening test results, members of the public may contact the 24-hour NS Call Centre at 1800-3676767.

Colonel Chua Boon Keat
Head, National Service Affairs Department
Ministry of Defence MINDEF's reply was published as "SAF medical centre lapse led to delay in health test results", TODAY, 02 Mar 13