TRIPARTITE WORKGROUP FOR THE PREVENTION OF ABUSE AND HARASSMENT OF HEALTHCARE WORKERS RELEASES PUBLIC REPORT

The Tripartite Workgroup for the Prevention of Abuse and Harassment of Healthcare Workers (TWG) has laid a strong foundation through the establishment of a sector-wide framework and clear guidelines for healthcare institutions, raising public awareness, and fostering a culture of respect and safety. With the conclusion of the TWG’s term on 30 June 2026, the TWG has released a public report to document its work over the last four years. Moving forward, it will transition into a Community of Practice (COP) to build a lasting culture of respect and safety across all healthcare settings

2.             These updates were announced by Minister of State Rahayu Mahzam at the Khoo Teck Puat Hospital & Yishun Community Hospital’s Safety and Security Week. Titled “Standing Together: Prevention of Abuse and Harassment in Healthcare in Singapore”. The full public report is available on the Ministry of Health’s website at https://go.gov.sg/twg-public-report ↗ (opens in new tab).

Background

3.             The TWG was established in 2022 to spearhead a coordinated national effort to prevent the abuse and harassment of healthcare workers across the public, private, and community care sectors. It brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Health (MOH), public and private healthcare institutions, the community care sector, and the Healthcare Services Employees' Union (HSEU).

4.             In 2023, the TWG engaged more than 3,000 healthcare workers and more than 1,500 members of the public through surveys and focus group discussions. About two in three healthcare workers surveyed reported that they had witnessed or experienced abuse or harassment, with verbal abuse among the most prevalent forms. Many incidents went unreported then, as healthcare workers held back due to unclear reporting channels, fear of repercussions, or a belief that such treatment was simply "part of the job".

Key Achievements

Tripartite Framework for the Prevention of Abuse and Harassment in Healthcare

5.             The TWG launched the Tripartite Framework for the Prevention of Abuse and Harassment in Healthcare (the "Framework ↗ (opens in new tab)") in 2023. The Framework was established for Singapore's healthcare sector – providing a common, sector-wide definition of what constitutes abuse and harassment and standardised protocols for how institutions should respond when incidents occur.

6.             Today, all Public Healthcare Institutions (PHIs) have implemented dedicated healthcare worker protection functions, including the appointment of Chief Wellness Officers. Healthcare workers can take immediate action to protect themselves during an incident, and institutions have the autonomy to act against perpetrators, including issuing warnings, removing abusers from the premises, or discharging abusive patients who do not require urgent medical care.

7.             Between 2023 and 2025, reports of abuse and harassment involving healthcare workers in PHIs doubled from around 2,200 to 4,200 cases. Among them, the number of cases reported to the Police increased from 350 to 550 cases. This reflects a growing awareness of what constitutes unacceptable behaviour and greater confidence among healthcare workers to report against abuse and harassment.

8.             The Implementation Guide first introduced for healthcare providers in 2024 was subsequently contextualised for the community care sector in May 2025. Employers of more than 60% of community care workforce have since adopted the Implementation Guide. Together, the guides support healthcare institutions and Community Care Organisations (CCOs) alike in fostering a safer and more supportive work environment for their healthcare workers.

9.             To date, more than 6,000 healthcare workers have been trained in advanced de-escalation and self-defence techniques. Basic training is provided to all frontline staff and continues to be part of the onboarding process for new healthcare workers. Comprehensive support, including medical attention, mental health support, time off and reassignment of duties, is provided for affected staff from the moment an incident occurs.

National Public Education Campaign

10.          A national public education campaign under the banner of #NoExcuseforAbuse was launched to raise awareness of abuse and harassment of healthcare workers and foster a shift in attitudes and behaviours towards greater respect in healthcare settings. The campaign engaged the public through traditional, digital, and social media channels, and was complemented by posters and displays within healthcare institutions.

Transition into a Community of Practice

11.          As the TWG concludes its term, its momentum will be sustained through a COP. Building on the foundation laid by the TWG, the COP will provide a platform to continue sharing experiences, strengthening capabilities, and exchanging best practices to prevent abuse and harassment of healthcare workers. In its inaugural year, the COP will comprise members from the public healthcare clusters, CCOs, private healthcare providers, and HSEU.

12.          MOH would like to express our appreciation to all members of the TWG, the healthcare workers who came forward to share their experiences, and all partners who contributed to this national effort. The TWG’s work reinforces the importance of respectful interactions to assure patient safety and quality care.  

MINISTRY OF HEALTH
30 SEPTEMBER 2026

Annex A

Composition of the Tripartite Workgroup for the Prevention of Abuse and Harassment of Healthcare Workers