Manpower Allocation for Healthcare Professionals Across Public Institutions and Prioritising Primary and Community Care Settings under Healthier SG

Dr Haresh Singaraju asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) how postings of healthcare professionals across public healthcare institutions are determined, including roles within the Ministry, MOH Holdings and the clusters; (b) what criteria are applied when allocating posts for each posting cycle; and (c) how these criteria have been adjusted to prioritise the manpower needs of primary and community care settings, in support of Healthier SG and an ageing population.

Note: The Member has given notice of his declaration of interest as Head of Queenstown Polyclinic, National University Polyclinics.

The large majority of healthcare professionals in the public sector, such as doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and pharmacists, are practising in the public healthcare institutions (PHIs). They may move between PHIs due to changing service needs or to gain broader clinical exposure, including in primary and community care settings. They may also opt for roles in management, governance or policy in Cluster headquarters, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and its statutory boards, or MOH Holdings (MOHH).

Junior doctors are centrally employed and deployed by MOHH, with postings designed to meet training and service requirements, including the requirements of the Singapore Medical Council for full registration in their first year, and curriculum requirements for those in residency or postgraduate training programmes. MOHH also considers individual preferences where possible.

In recent years, more junior doctors and nurses have been practising in primary and community care settings in support of Healthier SG and the needs of an ageing population.