Share NSmen’s medical records among camps

I learnt with sadness about full-time national serviceman (NSF) Ganesh Pillay, who fell to his death after being given punishment for “unsatisfactory work and improper bearing” (“Coroner rules out foul play in NSF’s death; April 8, Channel NewsAsia).

Dangerous assumptions were made prior to the tragedy: Private (PTE) Ganesh’s superior was unaware of the extent and effects of his schizophrenia; medical officers had certified him fit for National Service, so other officers did not consider if his condition had changed. His father was also concerned whether his son’s medical records had been shared between camps. Playing the blame game now is not productive; what we can ensure is that such situations do not happen again.

The Defence Ministry’s pledge to study the coroner’s findings in this case, “to improve and tighten its procedures to ensure better compliance by SAF (Singapore Armed Forces) units in dealing with soldiers with mental problems”, may not be specific enough.

I hope it can pledge further to guarantee that servicemen’s medical records be shared among camps and ensure officers be trained to recognise and handle mental conditions. Tragedies would then be less likely to occur.

We should protect and support our NSFs, who work hard for Singapore. I can only imagine the grief experienced by PTE Ganesh’s family. Let us spare others from such pain.