MEDICAL SERVICE SPECIALIST TRAINING FOR LOCAL OFFICERS

Mr Lim Choon Mong asked the Chief Secretary if he will state the number of Medical Officers being trained for specialist posts at the present moment; the basis of selection for such trainees; and the number of Departmental scholarships that will be awarded to local officers for 1955 and 1956.

Mr W. A. C. Goode: There are nineteen officers in Singapore and seven overseas - twenty-six in all - under training for specialist posts at the present time.

Trainees are selected on the advice of the heads of specialist units by agreement with the Senior Staff Committee of the Teaching Hospitals.

The number of departmental scholarships that will be awarded to local medical officers is six in 1955 and fifteen in 1956. During 1955 a Colombo Plan scholarship, a Queen's Fellowship and a W.H.O. Fellowship have been awarded in addition.

Mr Lim Choon Mong asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware of the fact that it is difficult for local officers to acquire the 5 years specialist experience in the absence of any definite scheme to appoint them to particular departments for the requisite 5 years; and whether he will consider what steps can be taken in this matter.

Mr A. J. Braga: I do not agree that it is a fact that it is difficult for local officers to acquire the 5 years specialist experience. Any medical officer who is selected as a trainee for specialist work is posted to the relevant specialist department and such posting is not changed unless the trainee shows himself unsuitable for further training. This experience while a trainee is counted as specialist experience.