Remuneration and Working Conditions for Nurses in Singapore
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns MP Dennis Tan Lip Fong’s inquiry regarding how nurse remuneration in Singapore compares to Australia and whether wages and working conditions are the primary drivers for attrition. Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung responded that salaries are comparable after tax adjustments and will be further enhanced by upcoming increments and the ANGEL retention scheme. He highlighted that attrition rates have returned to normal single digits, noting that departures are often among foreign nurses and influenced by varied personal factors. To remain an attractive destination, the Ministry focuses on providing development opportunities, ensuring the profession is well-respected, and helping nurses balance work and personal commitments. The Minister concluded that the total pay package and professional environment are key to sustaining a strong nursing workforce in the public healthcare sector.
Transcript
10 Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Health (a) how do the salaries and benefits for nurses in Singapore compare to those offered in other countries, such as Australia; (b) whether any studies have been conducted to determine if wages and working conditions are the primary factors for nurses leaving Singapore; and (c) if so, what are the findings and how does the Ministry plan to address them.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: Our assessment is that nurses in Singapore's public healthcare sector earn salaries that are similar to those of nurses working in countries, such as Australia and New Zealand. This is after adjusting for tax, because workers pay significantly higher income taxes in Australia and New Zealand. The introduction of the long-term retention scheme Award for Nurses' Grace, Excellence and Loyalty (ANGEL) for nurses in 2024 and upcoming salary enhancements announced in January 2025, will further enhance the total pay package for nurses in the public healthcare sector.
Nurses who choose to leave Singapore tend to be foreign nurses who have worked here for some years. The reasons are often varied, including personal considerations, and not solely based on salaries.
The ultimate test of Singapore's ability to retain nurses is the attrition rate. This has gone back to single digit, which is normal. To be an attractive work destination for nurses, we need to provide good opportunities for training and development, the profession must be well-respected and appreciated by society and nurses must be able to balance their work and personal commitments.