Current Healthcare Workforce Strength Compared against Projected Service Demand

Mr Sharael Taha asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) how the current healthcare workforce compares against projected service demand, including vacancy rates and critical skill shortages; and (b) how workforce planning is being strengthened to meet the needs of an ageing population beyond 2030.

The Ministry regularly review our medium to long term manpower plans and translate them into education, training and recruitment initiatives. Our healthcare workforce is projected to grow by 20% from 129,000 in 2024 to about 156,000 in 2030, taking into account evolving care models and areas of growth such as community nurses. Our current healthcare workforce is broadly adequate for the population's healthcare demand. In the public hospitals, which account for the bulk of patients, the overall vacancy rate is low.