Strengthening Singaporean Core in Nursing Profession

4 Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Health, given the commitment to strengthen the Singaporean Core in the nursing profession, whether the Government will review the total compensation of Singaporean nurses to bring it more in line with nursing wages in developed countries.

The Senior Minister of State for Health (Dr Koh Poh Koon) (for the Minister for Health): In setting salaries of most occupations, the salient consideration is the conditions of the local market, while taking into consideration the international market, if relevant.

In this regard, MOH regularly reviews the salaries of nurses and other healthcare staff to ensure market competitiveness. Nurses' salaries take into account both local and global references.

As I mentioned yesterday in my Committee of Supply speech, in 2021, we enhanced nursing salaries in the public healthcare sector by 5% to 14%, to be implemented over two years, including one tranche that will be given out this year. We had also increased funding support to the community care sector to ensure that nurses' salaries in the community care sector remain competitive as well.

Beyond base salaries, nurses also receive the Nurse Special Payment (NSP) in December every year. The NSP quantum is reviewed annually to ensure that nursing pay remains attractive.

Through competitive salaries and non-monetary means, we will ensure that nursing remains a viable career prospect for Singaporeans.