STATISTICS ON RETENTION RATES OF ENTRY-LEVEL CARE WORKERS AND TRACKING STABILITY OF CARE INDUSTRY

NOTICE PAPER NO. 354

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 13 JANUARY 2026

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Ms Elysa Chen

MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC

Question No. 773

To ask the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what is the current three-year retention rate for entry-level care workers; and (b) whether the Ministry will publish indicators to track whether care roles are becoming more secure and attractive for Singaporeans.

Answer

1            The attrition rates at entry-level job grades in our Public Healthcare Institutions (PHIs) have generally improved between 2022 and 2024, decreasing from 6.4% to 5.0% for doctors, from 9.7% to 8.5% for nurses, and from 14.6% to 11.5% for support care staff. Retaining healthcare workers is a challenge all round the world because of high demand for healthcare. The Ministry of Health ensures that healthcare remains an attractive career option through competitive remuneration, rewarding and fulfilling careers, and opportunities for learning and growth. It is also important that society values the work of healthcare workers and respects the professions.