Revocation by SAF’s In-camp Medical Officers of Medical Leave Issued by Private GPs to Full-Time National Servicemen

11 Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked the Minister for Defence (a) in the last three years, how many cases of Full-Time National Servicemen's medical leave issued by private GPs have been revoked by SAF's in-camp medical officers; (b) what are the main reasons for the revocations; and (c) what are the processes involved prior to the in-camp medical officer's revocation of the medical leave.

Dr Ng Eng Hen: Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) medical officers do not revoke medical certificates (MCs) issued by external medical practitioners. Unit medical officers may, however, conduct a clinical review of the SAF personnel’s medical condition and propose an amendment to the MC.

To effect such an amendment, the medical officer either discusses the case with the medical practitioner who issued the original MC, or refers the SAF personnel to a relevant specialist who can advise on the proposed amendment. An amendment could include an adjustment to the duration of the MC, or exemption from specific activities. Personnel may at any point see the unit medical officer for a further clinical review. Instances of amendments to MCs are infrequent in the SAF.