Attrition Rates of Specialists at Public Hospitals and Steps to Ensure Healthy Ratio of Specialists to Patients

Ms Hazel Poa asked the Minister for Health (a) since 2020, which medical specialties have seen the highest attrition rates of specialists at public hospitals; and (b) what steps are being taken to reduce attrition rates and ensure a healthy ratio of specialists to patients.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: The average attrition rates of various specialists ranged from 1% to 7% over the past few years. However, for specialties that have fewer doctors, each resignation can translate to a significant percentage and are, hence, subject to higher year to year variability in attrition rates. We continue to plan long term and maintain a healthy training pipeline of new specialists across all fields to meet healthcare needs.

Moving forward, as Singapore ages, the more critical need in clinical manpower is less likely to be for specialists, but doctors with broader skills that can coordinate and integrate care across specialists. Hence, we have been training more Family Physicians to anchor primary and community care, and Hospital Clinicians to anchor hospital-based care.