Number of Medical Doctors and Specialists Leaving Public Medical Institutions for Private Practice and Measures to Retain Them

Miss Rachel Ong asked the Minister for Health (a) in each year from 2010 to 2022, what is the number of (i) medical doctors and (ii) specialists leaving public medical institutions for private practice; (b) what are the contributing factors, by proportion, to the movement of medical doctors from the public to private sector; (c) what measures are being taken to retain medical doctors in the public healthcare sector; and (d) whether a study on the effectiveness of these measures has been done.

The attrition rates of doctors in the public healthcare sector have generally been stable over the years. In the last three years, it ranged from 3% to 5%, with attrition rates of specialists being generally lower. At this rate of attrition, there is a net inflow of doctors into the public healthcare system.

Based on exit interviews, the top three reasons cited by doctors leaving the public healthcare sector were personal factors, better career prospects and moving back to home country.

To retain our doctors, our public health institutions will continue to ensure that doctors’ remuneration remains competitive, their well-being is taken care of and there are good career prospects and personal development. Many good doctors also decide to stay in the public healthcare sector because of its meaningful contribution to nation and society.