PES FAQs
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FYI, PES is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PULHHEEMS.
1) Go to Public Hospital / Private Specialist.Note: You will be classified as a subsidised patient if your first visit is via:
- Referral letter from a Government Restructured Hospital under subsidised status, A&E, Polyclinic or SAF, without specifying a specialist by name.
- Discharge from inpatient class B2 or C without
specifying a specialist by
name.
2) Consult specialist, and do whatever medical check ups required. E.g. physical exam, blood test, x-ray, CT scan, MRI scan.3) Specialist gave a finalised clinical diagnosis.
4) Get the specialist to write you a memo which is to be given to SAF MO. Those who can and are willing to spend some more money can get him/her to write you a specialist report, which is more precise and detailed.
Note: For not to waste time and money, please be more direct yet humble. Request the specialist to write about reviewing of PES and medical board / anything specific such as any excuses to your conditions.5) Book an medical review appointment using the eHealth module @ www.ns.sg (for NSman Reservists).
Just go down to your camp medical centre (for NSFs).
Call CMPB @ 6373 1340 to request another PES review (for Pre-Enlistees after CMPB Checkup).6) Make a trip down to the respective unit camp medical centre. Give the MO whatever supporting documents you have in hand. E.g. Specialist memo/report (most usually the case and highly recommended), x-ray films, CT/MRI scan report, blood investigation lab report... etc.
7) MO will decide whether you are deemed eligible for KIV downgrade, according to the criterias set in the "PES Bible" directive. E.g. Diagnosis, Extent of Diagnosis, Degree of Diagnosis/Injury/Illness/Disease...etc.
8) If deemed so, you will sign an acknowledgement notice of Medical Board, whereby your case statement is prepared for review discussion at the monthly medical board meet (usually at the Formation/Division HQ) with another NSF CPT MO and the Chairman (SAF Regular Medical Doctor of MAJOR rank or above). Your Medical Board result will be post mailed to you by your respective NSHRC (Formation NS Hub).
Time and time again, the questions for Medical Review (Downgrade) is repetitive. Therefore, this serves as a general SOP for Medical Board.
Extract from www.mindef.gov.sg/nsmen:
NSmen must update their NS HRCs if they should develop any new medical condition or if their existing medical condition has worsened which might affect their ability to perform their duties during ICT. Arrangements will then be made for them to attend a medical review at the SAF medical centre to assess their fitness for NS.
The NSmen MUST bring along all investigation results and memorandums from his external physician/specialist during the medical review. Depending on the outcome of the medical review, the NSman may be given a medical certificate to defer him from ICT, be scheduled for a medical board to downgrade him if his medical condition is significant, or referred to a restructured hospital for further investigation. In the event that the medical officer determines that the NSman’s medical condition will not affect his ability to participate in the ICT, he will allow the NSman to attend the ICT. -
Im a pre-enlistee that just had his medical checkup today and I was posted to Pes C9L2, excuse LL & RMJ as I experience pain in my ankle and knee joints.
1)What would I be doing during my BMT?
2)What vocations can I serve under?
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Source:
www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/mindef_websites/atozlistings/army/About_BMT.html
Types of Basic Military Training
PES A/B1 BMT
This 9-week programme trains combat-fit recruits in the basic military skills to prepare them for advanced vocational training. The programme includes weapon training with the SAR 21 rifle which will teach recruits technical handling and marksmanship skills; a Battle Inoculation Course that simulates a real battlefield; a Field Camp which develops basic survival skills; progressive training to complete a 24-km route march which builds combat fitness and endurance; and hand grenade training.
For those who fail to achieve the NAPFA test silver award, they are required to undergo an 8-week Physical Training Phase (PTP) prior to the PES A/B1 BMT.
PES BP BMT
As evidence has shown that obese recruits are able to achieve optimum fitness levels and weight loss in about 19 weeks, the new BMT programme for recruits with Body Mass Index (BMI) scores exceeding 27.0 will be 19 weeks. This BMT programme is designed to help obese recruits improve their physical fitness progressively while equipping them with basic soldiering skills and knowledge.
PES B2 BMT
Enlistees who were PES C1 previously underwent a 7-week BMT programme. The new 9-week PES B2 BMT programme will be conducted for recruits who are medically fit for deployment in selected combat and combat support vocations, such as signal operators, combat medics and naval system operators. These recruits will be given a new medical classification of PES B2, in place of the existing PES C1 classification. This is to ensure that the medical classification of our soldiers is consistent with their deployment. The new 9-week programme will include customised physical training, as well as basic combat training to prepare them for their combat and combat support roles.
PES C BMT
The 9-week BMT programme will be conducted for PES C recruits. This programme will include light physical training and vocational training to prepare them for combat service support vocations, such as service medic, and those related to logistics and administration.
PES E BMT
The 4-week BMT programme will be conducted for PES E recruits. This programme will focus on, vocational training as well as National Education, SAF core values, regimentation and discipline to prepare recruits for combat service support vocations. -
Prepare for PTP/BMT: http://iprep.ns.sg/
Secrets to Pass IPPT: http://lifestyle.www.ns.sg/features/fitnessxchange
Source: www.ns.sg , www.army.gov.sg , www.mindef.gov.sg
You can watch the latest Jack Neo movie "Ah Boys to Men".
@ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ah_Boys_to_Men -
Hi, will appreciate if anyone could advise.
I had served 4 ICTs as a section commander and the upcoming 5th ICT is this May. Earlier in March, I was downgraded permanently to PES E1L9 for epileptic seizures. But i've have not heard from my unit if i'm getting re-vocation or still be in the same unit.
Do i need to report to anyone? or i just report for ICT this May?
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Please call the 24/7 NS hotline @ 1800-3676767 ASAP to liaise with your NS unit.
If your NS unit still do not contact you after you called the above telephone number, then you in-pro as usual but you must show your PES downgrade MC to your officer-in-charge, S1 Manpower Officer and Chief Clerk 1st thing 1st on the 1st ICT day.
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Hi
I have been diagnosed with anxiety attacks and agoraphobia and was given memo by psychiatrist to submit to MO when i go for check up. On medication too.
Can i know generally what PES status will i be?
I'm pre-enlist.
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It is within PES C to E range.
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hello eac,
currently i am pes b1l1
during my cmpb check up i submitted a specialist memo to CMPB MO stating that i got IBS (D), however i was still given a pes b1l1. MO said this condition is not downgradable. however after I POP from my BMT i realized i really cannot cope with this condition anymore
i am going to see my specialist in a few days time and i am planning to urge my specialist to write another memo for my camp MO for a medical review because i really cannot tahan already, i have been suffering from this illness ever since 2008.
i can't chiong when i have diarrhea everyday, its pretty self explanatory. sigh. and i am very stressed over it.
do you have any advice for me? like any specific thing i should tell my specialist or camp MO and stuff?
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FYI, PES is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PULHHEEMS.
1) Go to Public Hospital / Private Specialist.Note: You will be classified as a subsidised patient if your first visit is via:
- Referral letter from a Government Restructured Hospital under subsidised status, A&E, Polyclinic or SAF, without specifying a specialist by name.
- Discharge from inpatient class B2 or C without specifying a specialist by name.
2) Consult specialist, and do whatever medical check ups required. E.g. physical exam, blood test, x-ray, CT scan, MRI scan.3) Specialist gave a finalised clinical diagnosis.
4) Get the specialist to write you a memo which is to be given to SAF MO. Those who can and are willing to spend some more money can get him/her to write you a specialist report, which is more precise and detailed.
Note: For not to waste time and money, please be more direct yet humble. Request the specialist to write about reviewing of PES and medical board / anything specific such as any excuses to your conditions.5) Book an medical review appointment using the eHealth module @ www.ns.sg (for NSman Reservists).
Just go down to your camp medical centre (for NSFs).
Call CMPB @ 6373 1340 to request another PES review (for Pre-Enlistees after CMPB Checkup).6) Make a trip down to the respective unit camp medical centre. Give the MO whatever supporting documents you have in hand. E.g. Specialist memo/report (most usually the case and highly recommended), x-ray films, CT/MRI scan report, blood investigation lab report... etc.
7) MO will decide whether you are deemed eligible for KIV downgrade, according to the criterias set in the "PES Bible" directive. E.g. Diagnosis, Extent of Diagnosis, Degree of Diagnosis/Injury/Illness/Disease...etc.
8) If deemed so, you will sign an acknowledgement notice of Medical Board, whereby your case statement is prepared for review discussion at the monthly medical board meet (usually at the Formation/Division HQ) with another NSF CPT MO and the Chairman (SAF Regular Medical Doctor of MAJOR rank or above). Your Medical Board result will be post mailed to you by your respective NSHRC (Formation NS Hub).
Time and time again, the questions for Medical Review (Downgrade) is repetitive. Therefore, this serves as a general SOP for Medical Board.
Extract from www.mindef.gov.sg/nsmen:
NSmen must update their NS HRCs if they should develop any new medical condition or if their existing medical condition has worsened which might affect their ability to perform their duties during ICT. Arrangements will then be made for them to attend a medical review at the SAF medical centre to assess their fitness for NS.
The NSmen MUST bring along all investigation results and memorandums from his external physician/specialist during the medical review. Depending on the outcome of the medical review, the NSman may be given a medical certificate to defer him from ICT, be scheduled for a medical board to downgrade him if his medical condition is significant, or referred to a restructured hospital for further investigation. In the event that the medical officer determines that the NSman’s medical condition will not affect his ability to participate in the ICT, he will allow the NSman to attend the ICT. -
Hi, I have scoliosis with a 52 degree curve and I am also underweight. I will be going for scoliosis operation in a few months time and will be enlisting in 2 years time. I heard from my doctor that after the operation my movement might be abit restricted. What PES will I be placed into?
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It is within PES C2 to E9 range.
Subject to post-surgery specialist report.
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Hi all,
Just a quick question. Im an nsmen. Currently pes b. Recently, i developed hypertension and on lifetime medication.. for cases like this, am i able to drop pes and will a memo/report from gp suffice? I'm not looking to get away from ict, just looking to siam ippt and rt. A little scared of rigourous activities due to my high chances of heart attack. Please advise. Thanks in advance.
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What are the changes to your lifestyle, diet and exercise?
Firstly, you are strongly advised to eat oats (instant/ quick-cook) as heavy breakfast, and greatly reduce eating fried foods and junk foods.
Secondly, please start cardio exercising.
Start from light to gradual to moderate.
e.g. brisk walking, then fast walking, then slow jogging, then jogging.
Thirdly, if you drink alcohol/ smoke tobacco, please quit.
It's best that by changing your lifestyle, your BP will gradually stablise and be within normal range. Doctors advise that to manage BP effectively, it's optimal to change your lifestyle, next is to reduce drug dosage, and finally be completely off medicine.That's why I strongly urge you to eat oats (instant/ quick-cook).
3 big scoops (Chinese soup spoon) into a bowl.
Just add boiling water to 70% full.
Cover the bowl with a plate and wait 10 to 15 minutes.
Add water to 100% full, and consume at lukewarm.
Fast and easy-to-make breakfast.
Never ever skip breakfast.
Start off the day by having a heavy breakfast.
Have lunch at 70% full.
Have dinner at 30% full. If still hungry, eat oats.
If possible, drink Pu'er/ oolong tea (without sugar) daily.
Why I recommend you this?
My parents have HBP since first known 2 years ago.
And now, their BP is well-maintain with this 1st step in a simple change in diet/ lifestyle.
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BMT Queries/ FAQs @
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Tuesday, May 07, 2013
Mind Your Body
By Joan ChewMr Chua Tiat Beng, 55, who suffered a heart attack in 2009, is now doing all he can to keep his cholesterol in check. He exercises twice a week, has cut his intake of cholesterol-rich food and has reduced the number of cigarettes he smokes.
SINGAPORE - Singaporeans appear to be taking better care of their heart health, recent national figures suggest.
For instance, cholesterol levels have improved, particularly levels of so-called "bad" cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
The National Health Survey 2010 showed 15.2 per cent of Singapore residents aged 18 to 69 years had high levels of LDL in 2010, down from 20.3 per cent in 2004 and 29.1per cent in 1998, after adjusting for an older population as an ageing population would see higher rates of cholesterol.
It may be one of the reasons that the rate of heart attacks per 100,000 people has fallen, from 230 in 2008 to 217 in 2011, after adjusting for an older population, according to the Ministry of Health.
High cholesterol is one of several risk factors for cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of death worldwide. In Singapore, it accounted for one in three deaths in 2010.
There are other reasons as to why heart attack rates may have dropped, noted Dr Raymond Wong, a consultant at the cardiac department at the National University Heart Centre, Singapore.
The National Health Survey 2010 showed the prevalence of hypertension dropped from 32.5 per cent in 1998 to 23.5 per cent in 2010, after adjusting for an older population.
However, other risk factors for cardiovascular disease - obesity, diabetes, smoking and lack of regular exercise - have all gone up between 2004 and 2010.
These figures show that it is very likely the drop in cholesterol and hypertension rates are the main contributors to the fall in heart attack rates, said Dr Wong.
Dangers of high cholesterol
Cholesterol is necessary for the formation of healthy cells but it also contributes to atherosclerosis, the underlying cause of many cardiovascular diseases.
In atherosclerosis, excess cholesterol in circulation is deposited into cells in the artery walls and gradually forms a fatty deposit called plaque.
Atherosclerosis restricts blood flow through the narrowed artery, leading to symptoms of chest pain called angina.
When the plaque ruptures, a blood clot will form which may completely block blood flow in the artery.
LDL cholesterol transports cholesterol from the liver to tissues of the body. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol - "good" cholesterol - removes excess cholesterol from the tissues and brings it back to the liver for removal from the body.
What the national survey does not show is how many people with hyperlipidemia, or high cholesterol levels, have lowered their LDL levels through taking cholesterol-lowering drugs, said Dr Wong.
So it could well be that those already diagnosed with the condition are keeping it under control with medication.
Still, doctors are encouraged by the trend, which they feel is a sign of a population becoming more health conscious and aware of how to achieve good health.
While obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol all require a person to adopt healthier lifestyles, some lifestyle changes are easier to achieve than others.
Dr Wong pointed out that obesity is probably the hardest risk factor to manage, since there is no "magic bullet or drug" for one to lose weight.
Dr Tong Khim Leng, the chief of cardiology at Changi General Hospital (CGH), has observed more people being aware of the importance of regular exercise and a diet low in saturated fat.
And more people are finding out their cholesterol levels because of regular health screenings offered by company health insurance policies, said Dr Tan Chong Hiok, a senior consultant at Parkway Heart and Vascular Centre.
He said: "We are able to treat these patients earlier and data has shown that treating them with statin results in a relative risk reduction of up to 50 per cent in preventing cardiovascular disease."
Target cholesterol levels
Doctors say routine screening for cholesterol should start from 40 years of age, and even earlier for people with heart disease or multiple risk factors.
A person's target cholesterol level is dependent on his risk of cardiovascular disease, based on well-known risk factors such as age, ethnic group, smoking status, cholesterol and blood pressure. This can be calculated with a local version of the Framingham risk score.
The higher a person's risk, the lower will be the goal level for LDL cholesterol.
For instance, a high-risk patient, such as one who has heart disease, will need to keep his LDL cholesterol under 2.6 millimoles of cholesterol per litre of blood (mmol/L), compared with a low-risk patient whose target LDL cholesterol is under 4.1mmol/L.
Adjunct Assistant Professor David Foo, the head of the department of cardiology at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, said diabetes and smoking, coupled with high cholesterol, raise a person's cardiovascular risk because they damage blood vessel walls and make it more likely for blood clots to form.
Patients will always be advised to make lifestyle changes - lose weight, exercise regularly, stop smoking and drink alcohol in moderation.
If these do not improve their cholesterol levels enough, medication is prescribed, said doctors here.
Statins is the most common class of cholesterol-lowering medication, said doctors, with seven or eight out of 10 patients being put on statins.
In April 2009, businessman Chua Tiat Beng, 55, was behind the wheel of his car when he broke out in cold sweat and felt a tightness in his chest.
The father of two went straight to a general practitioner, who recognised the signs of an impending heart attack. At Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Mr Chua underwent an emergency angioplasty to unclog a blocked artery. While in hospital, he learned that the first health screening he had been to just a week before had picked up high cholesterol levels.
As he was also a smoker and above 45 years old, he was at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
He said: "When people are not sick, they never heed good advice."
He now smokes less, watches his diet, jogs twice a week and takes cholesterol-lowering medication and aspirin to prevent clots from forming around the stent. A blood test last December gave him a clean bill of health.
Get a copy of Mind Your Body, The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories. -
Tuesday, May 07, 2013
Mind Your BodySingaporeans could do a little better when it comes to making good food choices.
The National Nutrition Survey 2010 showed the mean cholesterol intake for adult Singapore residents was 341mg per day.
According to the Health Promotion Board, a person's intake of cholesterol should not exceed 300mg daily.
More than half, or 54.9 per cent, of respondents met or surpassed their recommended daily intake.
A plate of oyster omelette chalks up 350mg of cholesterol, while a teaspoon of butter contributes to 40mg.
Cholesterol in the body comes from two sources: 80 per cent of it is made in the liver and the rest comes from a person's diet. So people should watch their dietary cholesterol, which is contained in food such as eggs and shellfish.
In addition, two to three out of five to seven servings of carbohydrates eaten daily should come from wholegrain products.
These are good sources of soluble fibre which have the ability to bind cholesterol in the gut, reducing its absorption and increasing its excretion.
Also, not all fats are equal or equally bad. Eat saturated fats, found in dairy products and meat, sparingly as it increases low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and the corresponding total cholesterol levels.
Avoid trans fats, made from the hydrogenation of vegetable oil, which lowers high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and increases LDL cholesterol levels.
The best fats to consume are unsaturated fats as well as Omega-3 fatty acids.
What are the top five things one can do to have a cholesterol-lowering diet?
Know your meats
Choose leaner cuts of meat, such as loin or breast meat. Avoid sausages, Chinese sausages and luncheon meat.
Limit intake of red meat, such as beef, lamb, duck and goose, as they are higher in fat than white meat such as chicken and pork.
Remove skin and visible fat from poultry.
Choose healthier oils
Choose healthier oils for cooking, such as canola, olive and sunflower oils. Avoid tropical oils such as palm oil and coconut milk. Replace coconut milk or coconut cream used in cooking with skimmed milk or low-fat milk.
When eating out, ask for no or less oil to be added to food.
Be aware of cooking methods
Adopt healthier cooking methods such as steaming, boiling, grilling, roasting, baking and stewing, instead of deep frying. For example, it is healthier to eat grilled fish and baked potatoes instead of fish and chips.
Use a non-stick pan when cooking to reduce the use of cooking oil.
Scoop out the layer of solidified fat on top of chilled stews, casseroles and soups before heating up and serving.
When eating out, choose soupy dishes instead of fried dishes. For example, opt for beehoon soup instead of fried beehoon. Also, choose boiled wantons (dumplings) instead of fried ones.
Limit cholesterol-rich food
Eat animal organs, such as pig liver or kidneys, no more than once a month and even then, in small portions.
Consume egg yolks no more than thrice a week. Have seafood, such as shellfish, prawns and crabs, not more than twice a week.
Be a wise shopper
Choose products with the Healthier Choice Symbol as they are lower in total fats and saturated fats compared with other products in similar categories.
These products also have no trans fat or negligible amounts of it per serving.
Read the ingredient list to identify products that contain vegetable shortening and hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils, as they are high in saturated and trans fats. Choose these products less often.
Get a copy of Mind Your Body, The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories. -
Hi all,
I am a PES B NSMan who developed a severe case of eczema after I ORD-ed. I've already went for a medical checkup; the MO told me he has recommended me for a medical board review, but I do not need to be present for it. I have also been given an excuse IPPT/RT/Physical Training for 84 Days as I wait for the Medical Board to redetermine my PES Status.
The thing is, I have an up-coming ICT mid June. Generally how long is the medical board review going to take and will I know of my PES Status before the 18th? If I do get downgraded successfully, who do I contact to confirm if I still need to attend ICT?
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Medical Board generally take place once a month.
You can check your latest up-to-date PES using the eHealth module @ www.ns.sg (for NSman Reservists).
Link: http://www.ns.sg/nsp/web/esvcs/mindef/ehealth/about
eHealth is an internet medical application designed to allow NSmen to manage and review common personal health matters in the SAF more conveniently.
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A Medical Board is a session conducted to evaluate the medical condition of a serviceman and to:
a. review his PES grade;
b. recommend a change of vocation or restriction of duties on medical grounds;
c. endorse his extended-period medical certificate; or
d. determine permanent disability if he has sustained service-related injuries.
A serviceman is required to undergo a Medical Review prior to a Medical Board. This allows the unit Medical Officer to gather sufficient information (e.g. specialist medical reports, investigation results) so that the Medical Board can make a decision on the PES grade. Depending on the complexity of your condition, more than one review may be required.
Medical Boards cannot be booked using the eMedAppt module. Medical Board appointments can only be made by a Medical Officer when your medical information is complete and all investigation results are back.
You have the option to either be present or absent at your medical board. For your convenience and in clear-cut cases, your Medical Officer may give you the option of not being present for your medical board (i.e. having a Board in Absentia). You can however still choose to be present during your Medical Board in such cases. However, for complicated cases, you are required to be present during your medical board (i.e. Board in Presence). -
A Medical Review is a medical consultation convened whenever a serviceman has a change in the status of a current medical condition, or if he develops a new medical condition, which may affect his ability to fulfill his NS liabilities. A medical review can either be initiated by the individual (known as Self-initiated) or by the NS Unit (Unit-initiated).
Situations whereby the individual initiates a Self-initiated medical review include:
He develops a new medical condition (e.g. slipped disc, high blood pressure, surgery for a medical condition). In such situations, he should bring all relevant medical documents for his medical review by the SAF Medical Officer. The SAF Medical Officer can then assess the condition, and recommend a medical downgrade, if appropriate.
He has a long-term medical excuse for the same injury and the period coincides with a NS activity that he is unable to attend. He should see the SAF medical officer to document his medical excuse, and ascertain whether he is fit to attend the NS activity.
Situations whereby the unit makes a Unit-initiated medical review include:
Serviceman has a temporary PES status that has expired and he is due for a medical review by a SAF Medical Officer.
Serviceman has a service injury requiring a medical review to prepare for a Permanent Disability Board.
Serviceman has a medical condition necessitating a medical review to prepare for a Medical Board. -
You should bring along all relevant medical reports, investigation results, medications that you are currently taking etc. This will allow the Medical Officer to get all the relevant medical information and manage your case appropriately.
If there is insufficient information available at the time of your medical consultation, you may have to return for repeat medical appointments, after more information becomes available (e.g. after a latest specialist report is obtained from your hospital). -
Hi eac i have done a surgery on my knee for a medial plica syndrome and had a debridement on it. is it possible for me to down pes? because my specialist says not likely to down pes but my MO and physio say its something to worry and can be downpes, especially since i undergone surgery. so am i able to downgrade from Pes A?
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Depending on the specialist memo, you can get a Temporary PES Downgrade for a few months, accompanying with the possiblity of additional excuses for the post-surgery knee rest and recuperate period.
Please submit the hospital specialist memo to the camp doctor to assess and process.
As usual, please refer to this guideline:
http://sgforums.com/forums/1390/topics/392446 -
but is a discharge summary with the diagnostics sufficent for a memo?