Compensation for Medical Expenses for Servicemen Injured while On Duty

Mr Teo Siong Seng asked 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.

The 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. 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 frameworks.

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 servicemen.

Second, injured servicemen will receive lump sum compensation based on the degree of permanent disability sustained. The amount is doubled for disabilities that resulted during military training or operations. Additional amounts are also provided to servicemen who have 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 healthcare, 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 December 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. This 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.

Mr Teo Siong Seng (Nominated Member): I thank the Minister for the explanation. I believe that the investigations showed that the injury was actually due to the failure of the winch mechanism. So, would this affect the compensation?

Dr Ng Eng Hen: I must first qualify that investigations have not been completed and there are a number of causes. One of the preliminary findings is that there were some failures in that, but there were other causes. But I can say that ME2 Jason Chee's injury was due to service and he will be compensated on that basis.

Dr Lim Wee Kiak: Mdm Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister, when was the last time this compensation package was reviewed. Will the SAF be prepared again to review the compensation package to servicemen who are injured?

Dr Ng Eng Hen: Madam, I understand the Member's concerns. I would say that it is not fixed. The base layer is compatible with what we have for the workmen's compensation. So, it was adopted based on that, and even the workmen's compensation moves. But over and above that, as I said, we have additional amounts. So, if it is due to service, the amounts are doubled. On top of that, we have additional grants and financial and compensation schemes. So, I would say that, in general, it is much more generous than the base layer. But, obviously, we do review it from time to time.

Mr Nicholas Fang (Nominated Member): Thank you, Mdm Speaker, one supplementary question for the Minister. Does this compensation scheme extend equally to both serving full-time NSmen as well as regulars? And has there been feedback from families or the servicemen themselves as to the extent of the compensation?

Dr Ng Eng Hen: Madam, yes, it extends to all NSmen and we have a structure in which there is an appeal board. So, if families and servicemen who are affected have queries about the amount, this compensation appeal board will listen to their case.