Why are some doctors are vocationalised as medics in the
SAF when they are serving their National Service. Why has the SAF
allowed this, especially since doctors from the Ministry of Health
are seconded to the SAF every year because of manpower shortage in
the SAF Medical Service?
The need to utilise doctors in their professional role has always
been recognised by the SAF.
National Servicemen with recognised medical qualifications to
practise in the SAF will have to be trained to operate in the
military environment before being commissioned as Medical Officers.
Most doctors are able to do so, even those with medical problems so
severe that they are unable to complete the medical officers'
course, are utilised as para-medical personnel where their medical
knowledge is still put to good use. Only in an extreme case such as
that of a person who fails the course because of his poor attitude
to military training or disciplinary problems, would he be used as
a medical orderly. This is because his attitude may affect his
behaviour and practice towards soldiers.
To ensure that good quality healthcare is given to SAF servicemen,
it is necessary to have sufficient doctors in SAF Medical Centres
so that adequate time can be given to each patient. Doctors from
the Ministry of Health have been seconded, including women doctors,
to assist the SAF when the numbers in the SAF have temporarily been
low. The women doctors have been particularly welcomed by
servicewomen in the SAF.