How the attrition rate of allied health professionals in Singapore fared from 2018-2022

While an increase was observed in the public healthcare sector, the community care sector witnessed a decrease, according to Ministry of Health data.

Singapore's Ministry of Health (MOH) addressed a parliamentary question on the demand and rate of attrition of allied health professionals (AHPs) on Tuesday (27 February 2024). 

MOH was asked the following: 

1. Has the demand for AHPs increased between 2019 to 2023, and, if so, how much? 
2. What has the attrition rate of AHPs been in public acute & community hospitals, public long-term care facilities and polyclinics in each year from 2019 to 2023?
3. How does the rate of attrition of AHPs in the sectors mentioned above compare with those of doctors & nurses? 
4. What measures are being considered to address the attrition rate of AHPs and does such measures include an increase in remuneration? 

Demand of AHPs have been growing

The Ministry responded that the demand for AHPs has been growing, with the number increasing by 25%, from about 6,000 in 2019 to 7,500 in 2023, due to the country's growing healthcare needs. 

This number comprised the following professions: 

• registered diagnostic radiographers 
• occupational therapists
• physiotherapists
• radiation therapists
• speech therapists

Rate of attrition of AHPs in the community sector care fell in 2022

Overall, the attrition rate of AHPs in the public healthcare sector increased to 11.6% in 2022, from 8.6% in 2018. 

While this was so, the rate dropped in the community care sector in 2022 — from 17.7% in 2018 to 11.3& in 2022. 

MOH assured that it is continuing to work with Singapore's public healthcare clusters, community care organisations, and institutes of higher learning to train, attract, and retain AHPs.

"There needs to be good career prospects and opportunities for professional development, conducive workplace environment, and salaries will have to be competitive.

"In this regard, the public healthcare Institutions had increased the starting salaries of AHPs in 2023," MOH commented. 

MOH also shared that they have also supported salary enhancements in the community care sector, including for AHPs, since 2021. 

READ MORE: 

1. Singapore announces payouts for public healthcare nurses as part of upcoming long-term retention scheme
2. MOH releases salary guidelines for Singapore's community care sector

Lead image / 123RF