Heng Chee How on mental health issues affecting NSmen
The Ministry of Defence and the Singapore Armed Forces have reviewed and instituted a slew of measures to better support the psychological and psychiatric conditions of full-time National Servicemen and regulars. Senior Minister of State for Defence Heng Chee How said that over the past five years, the portion of pre-enlistees detected to have mental issues rose from six per cent in 2019 to 11 per cent in 2023. Giving more details, Mr Heng the number of full-time mental health professionals has been doubled from a decade ago and more will be hired if needed. Severe cases detected in pre-enlistees that pose harm to themselves or others are deferred from National Service until the professionals assess that their conditions have improved and they no longer pose those risks. New care hubs have been set up in Pulau Tekong and Kranji Camp where Basic Military Training is conducted. All recruits also undergo psychological first-aid training to help them recognise distress signs and cope with challenges. An anonymous 24-hour counselling hotline has been set up for those who are not comfortable sharing their problems openly. A Mental Health Office has also been set up to coordinate all efforts to better synergise and deliver care. Mr Heng was replying to MPs' questions in Parliament on Thursday (Mar 7).
The Ministry of Defence and the Singapore Armed Forces have reviewed and instituted a slew of measures to better support the psychological and psychiatric conditions of full-time National Servicemen and regulars. Senior Minister of State for Defence Heng Chee How said that over the past five years, the portion of pre-enlistees detected to have mental issues rose from six per cent in 2019 to 11 per cent in 2023. Giving more details, Mr Heng the number of full-time mental health professionals has been doubled from a decade ago and more will be hired if needed. Severe cases detected in pre-enlistees that pose harm to themselves or others are deferred from National Service until the professionals assess that their conditions have improved and they no longer pose those risks. New care hubs have been set up in Pulau Tekong and Kranji Camp where Basic Military Training is conducted. All recruits also undergo psychological first-aid training to help them recognise distress signs and cope with challenges. An anonymous 24-hour counselling hotline has been set up for those who are not comfortable sharing their problems openly. A Mental Health Office has also been set up to coordinate all efforts to better synergise and deliver care. Mr Heng was replying to MPs' questions in Parliament on Thursday (Mar 7).
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