Ensuring Competitiveness of Local Remunerations for Qualified Registered Nurses

NOTICE PAPER NO. 1329
NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

Name and Constituency of Member of ParliamentMr Gerald GiamMP for Aljunied GRC

Question No. 2106

To ask the Minister for Health (a) whether the starting salaries of qualified registered nurses in Singapore are lower than those offered in other developed countries and territories, including Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong; and (b) what is the Ministry doing to ensure that nurses' remunerations are competitive, both locally and internationally.

Answer

The attractiveness of work as a nurse in Singapore vis-à-vis a foreign country is not determined by the basic remuneration alone, but also taxes, cost of living, working conditions, training opportunities and living environment. 

MOH regularly review our competitiveness holistically.  In general, we remain competitive, but COVID-19 has exacerbated international competition for nurses, and almost every country is encountering challenges in retaining their nurses.