SAF Concludes Relief Misson in Nepal

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen (right) welcoming Director Changi RHCC, COL Lim Kwang Tang (centre) and Commander of the SAF Medical Team, LTC (Dr) Adrian Tan (left).

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has concluded its relief efforts in Nepal and the SAF relief contingent returned to Singapore this afternoon after a 12-day deployment. The SAF deployed 38 personnel comprising a medical team as well as staff from the Changi Regional Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Coordination Centre (RHCC). Seven personnel from the Ministry of Health and eight personnel from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces worked together with the SAF medical team. Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) C-130 aircraft made a total of eleven flights into Nepal since 26 April 2015 to transport personnel, equipment and relief supplies, as well as to evacuate 71 Singaporeans, along with 24 other nationals, from Nepal.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen received the returning personnel at Paya Lebar Air Base this afternoon. He was accompanied by senior SAF officers including Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Ng Chee Meng, Chief of Air Force Major-General Hoo Cher Mou and Chief of Army Major-General Perry Lim. Minister of State for Health Dr Lam Pin Min and Bruneian High Commissioner Haji Awang Saifulbahri bin Haji Mansor were also present.

Dr Ng acknowledged the contributions of all the servicemen and women and commended them on the significant role they played in the multinational relief efforts in Nepal. He said, "I am very happy that Singaporeans have a big heart and when others are in need, they step up. All around, I think this has been a very good mission. We have been able to do what we wanted to do, and of course, we offer our deepest condolences to the people in Nepal."

The combined medical team, which was based in Gokarna, treated some 3,000 patients for injuries sustained in the earthquake, disaster-related illnesses and common ailments. The Changi RHCC worked closely with the Nepalese Army to support them in coordinating relief efforts using the Changi RHCC’s OPERA Command and Control Information System. The SAF also donated $150,000 worth of humanitarian aid supplies to Nepal which included tents, blankets, portable lights and food.

Dr Ng interacting with families at the homecoming ceremony this afternoon.