Remuneration and Working Conditions for Nurses in Singapore

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.

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.