SINGAPORE: Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean on Monday said medical staff in the military must be able to work with international and non-governmental organisations to improve medical care in relief operations.

Following the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) swung into action, along with staff from the Singapore Civil Defence Force, restructured hospitals and other government agencies, to deliver medical relief swiftly.

At the 18th Asia-Pacific Military Medicine Conference in Singapore, which is jointly hosted by Singapore and the US, Mr Teo cited the operation as an example of effective cooperation among military practitioners.

He said Singapore's experience is that military medicine has a place in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and peace support operations.

"Increasingly, military medical professionals must also be able to work with international organisations like the UN and non-governmental organisations such as the Red Cross, Doctors without Borders and other relief agencies. This will greatly enhance the medical effectiveness of relief operations to better assist those who are the most in need," said the defence minister.

Representatives from 36 countries will spend the week at the conference, discussing various topics on infectious diseases and challenges in military medical research and development. - CNA/ac