Response to The Straits Times Forum Letter on "Allow earlier health screening before IPPT"

MINDEF will look into earlier health screening for NSmen.

We thank Mr Raymond Liow Chin Win for his feedback in the forum letter dated 11 May 2013 titled "Allow earlier health screening before IPPT". NSmen aged 35 and older are required to undergo compulsory health screening before they take their annual IPPT. This is to ensure that they are medically fit to perform the IPPT stations. NSmen are given a window of nine months after their birthday to schedule their annual IPPT test, at a time of their convenience. However, for those aged 35 and older, the health screening process is typically completed 1 to 2 months after their birthday.

We agree that this means that they have less time to schedule their IPPT. We will look into how we can complete the health screening earlier for our NSmen, including Mr Liow’s suggestion to screen before the birthday. Currently, for those whose health screening is significantly delayed for various reasons, we do extend for them the IPPT test window beyond the nine months.

Colonel Chua Boon Keat
Head, National Service Affairs Department
Ministry of Defence MINDEF's reply was published as "Mindef to look into earlier health screening for NSmen", The Straits Times, 20 May 13