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The enhanced pathways will focus on more deliberate use of modular training; an approach increasingly used around the world and gaining traction in Singapore’s healthcare sector.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) in Singapore has reaffirmed that ongoing enhancements to training pathways for allied health professionals will both raise capabilities and preserve the unique expertise of each profession. This comes in response to recent letters from Gabriel Kwek, President, Singapore Association of Occupational Therapists and Kwah Li Khim, President, Singapore Physiotherapy Association President who supported the move but emphasised the need to uphold professional standards.
In her response, Susan Niam, Adjunct Professor, Chief Allied Health Officer, Ministry of Health said the ministry shares this objective, stressing that the refinements are centred on strengthening the sector, not merging or replacing roles.
A more deliberate shift towards modular training
The enhanced pathways will focus on more deliberate use of modular training; an approach increasingly used around the world and gaining traction in Singapore’s healthcare sector.
According to Niam, modular training allows a clearer link between trainings and the tasks at the workplace. It also helps healthcare workers pick up new skills more readily, supporting them as they broaden and deepen their expertise.
She added that this approach enables a more patient-centred model of care, as it equips individuals in the care team with the precise skills needed to meet patients’ needs.
Meeting the needs of a rapidly ageing population
Niam highlighted that Singapore’s rising number of seniors with multiple, complex chronic conditions makes it even more important to strengthen skill development in an efficient and flexible way.
The direction, she noted, is about maintaining standards while ensuring that healthcare teams are equipped to respond to evolving care needs. MOH stressed that these enhancements aim to improve collaboration between professions, not alter the distinct roles that already exist.
Entry qualifications remain unchanged
To support these changes, MOH will continue working closely with professional bodies, and Niam said that the required entry qualifications for each profession will remain.
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