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SETTING UP THE MEDICAL OPERATIONS TASK FORCE (MOTF)

The need for an integrated operations hub was clear. So MOTF was set up to support MOH in carrying out three key tasks. The first was to develop a “single source of truth” on the numbers and movements of COVID-19 patients, by aggregating the data from multiple sources to a single, reliable source. The second was to coordinate the allocation of medical resources and transport operations across all entities. The third was to anticipate operational demands to minimise the risk of being overwhelmed by an unpredictable, deadly enemy. In order to carry out these tasks, MOTF would have to develop technology solutions, as part of a larger ops-tech initiative, to track and monitor COVID-19 cases among migrant workers as well as resource utilisation rates.

The Assistant Chief of the General Staff (Intelligence) [ACGS(Int)] COL Tan Cheng Kwee was given command of MOTF. Personnel from HQ Army Intelligence (Army Int) and G2-Army staffed this task force because of the analytical nature of its mission. With the need to operationalise the task force as quickly as possible and to work closely with MOH, MOTF quickly set up shop in the Health Promotion Board (HPB) building near MOH. Associate Professor Raymond Chua, Deputy Director of Medical Services (Health Regulation Group) of MOH, joined MOTF as Deputy Commander.

Mr Teo Chee Hean Mr Teo Chee Hean

A team comprising officials from the SAF and MOH briefing Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Mr Teo Chee Hean on the set-up of the MOTF.
Source: MINDEF

A team from 6 Div who had served in HSTF was brought to the MOTF Secretariat to quickly establish MOTF's battle cycles, operating processes, and links with adjacent agencies to open the information channels. HQ Army Int and G2-Army personnel made full use of the information flows to immediately start sense-making. Personnel from JTF(A) joined the MOTF's current operations cell to plan daily transport operations.

Within a week of starting work, MOTF had ironed out the ownership of resources and every component of the entire transportation process chain with JTF(A). MOTF was now giving the SAF better situation awareness and enabling tighter coordination of effort and sharper concentration of force in critical areas.