Insurance and Other Assistance Given to Injured NSmen

1 Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for Defence (a) so far, how many National Servicemen who were injured during NS have appealed to the Ministry to allow them to continue their insurance in addition to what has been granted under MediShield Life; and (b) what assistance and assurance have been given to them.

The Senior Minister of State for Defence (Mr Heng Chee How) (for the Minister for Defence): Mr Speaker, over the past five years, MINDEF has received two requests from NSmen for assistance to bridge the gap between their private medical insurance coverage and MINDEF's medical coverage for service-related injuries.

MINDEF provides full medical coverage for service-related injuries by paying for all necessary medical expenses incurred by the NSman at Government restructured hospitals, clinics and community hospitals, for as long as required. This includes the costs of medical supplies and equipment, as well as specialist care. Should the service-related injury be aggravated, or if there are new medical conditions arising from the injury, MINDEF will expand the scope of medical coverage to cover those conditions. MINDEF will also provide higher compensation amounts if there is an increase in the degree of permanent disability. In addition, financial assistance may be provided to injured NSmen through MINDEF's welfare schemes.