Post by : Shakul

Singapore: As the global shortage of nurses continues to grow, Singapore is taking significant steps to retain its healthcare workforce through financial incentives, career development opportunities and improved working conditions.

According to the Singapore Nursing Board, the country recorded more than 6,000 newly registered and enrolled nurses in 2024, bringing the total number of registered nurses to 50,389, the highest on record. Over the past decade, the number of Singaporean and permanent resident nurses has grown steadily, while foreign nurses have also increased to over 11,000, playing a key role in the healthcare system.

To retain nurses, the Ministry of Health introduced the ANGEL (Award for Nurses’ Grace, Excellence and Loyalty) scheme, which provides nurses with incentives of up to S$100,000 over 20 years. The programme rewards long-term service and encourages nurses to build long careers within Singapore’s public healthcare sector.

Singapore is also improving support for foreign nurses through mentorship programmes, language training, onboarding support and housing assistance to help them settle and integrate into the healthcare workforce.

The need for nurses is expected to rise further as Singapore approaches “super-aged” society status in 2026, when more than 21% of the population will be aged 65 and above. An ageing population and increasingly complex medical conditions are increasing demand for healthcare services.

Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that there were 29.8 million nurses in 2023, and this number could grow to 35.9 million by 2030. However, shortages are expected to persist in several regions, especially in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Singapore believes that competitive pay, advanced medical technology, a safe working environment and strong career progression opportunities will help attract and retain nurses in the long term.

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