SAF, CGH RENEW PACT TO STRENGTHEN MILITARY SPORTS MEDICINE

Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) personnel can look forward to enhanced soldier performance through the use of sports medicine and sports science principles with the renewed pact between the SAF Medical Corps (SAFMC) and Changi General Hospital (CGH).

The renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by Chief Army Medical Officer Colonel (COL) (Dr) Poon Beng Hoong and CGH Chairman Medical Board Professor Teo Eng Kiong in a ceremony held at CGH on 17 Mar. It was witnessed by Chief of Army Brigadier-General (BG) Melvyn Ong and CGH Chief Executive Officer Dr Lee Chien Earn.

In his address, COL (Dr) Poon noted that the renewal of the MOU marked the SAF's continued commitment in providing the best possible medical care to SAF personnel and the SAFMC's strategy to tap into the larger national sports medicine ecosystem.

"With these specialised training and protocols, we saw improvements in medical centre practices with first-line treatment and more appropriate referrals to specialists care," he said.

Prof Teo concurred: "Ultimately, the collaboration is to take care of the SAF servicemen who are serving the nation so that they, in turn, can serve our nation more effectively."

On the additional scope to improve soldier performance, Prof Teo said that he was confident that more could be done. One area that can be explored is the development of programmes and initiatives for injury prevention and soldier performance enhancement.

Since the original MOU was signed on 29 Nov 2011, both SAFMC and CGH have been working closely to provide enhanced diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation services for SAF personnel with musculoskeletal injuries. For instance, CGH has provided fast and enhanced Sports Medicine clinical services to SAF personnel, allowing them to be promptly attended by Sports Medicine specialists at the Changi Sports Medicine Centre. More than 1,000 SAF personnel have benefitted from this service annually, aiding with faster recovery and minimising training downtime.

The pact also made possible the education and training of more than 500 SAF Medical Officers (MOs) in the diagnosis and management of sports injuries and the exchange of staff for attachments in relevant departments.