SINGAPORE – Singapore is planning to hire 180 doctors from India in the next three years (2022-2024) in order to address the ‘heavy workload’ and supplement healthcare capacity needs.

In a statement, MOH Holdings (MOHH), a company of Singapore’s public healthcare institutions said they have always hired junior doctors from overseas to meet the needs of public healthcare institutions, according to 8world News.

Nonetheless, over 90% of junior doctors recruited by MOHH each year are Singaporeans, drawn from Singapore’s three medical schools as well as Singaporeans who studied medicine at reputable universities abroad.

According to 8world News, the MOHH hires approximately 700 junior doctors each year, both locally and from abroad, including India.

This is to ensure that the needs of our public healthcare institutions are met, as well as to reduce the heavy workload of doctors.

These doctors must have graduated from medical schools on the Second Schedule of the Medical Registration Act.

There are only two Indian medical schools on the list: the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi and the Christian Medical College Vellore in Tamil Nadu.

Amongst the 700 hires annually, over 90% of junior doctors recruited by MOHH are local.

There are three local medical schools — Nanyang Technological University’s Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, National University of Singapore’s Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, and Duke-NUS Medical School.

According to a MOHH spokesperson, Singapore has increased its local pipeline over the years.

Singapore’s medical schools increased their combined intake by 45% between 2012 and 2019. In 2019, approximately 510 medical students were admitted, compared to 350 in 2012.

In addition, schools have admitted 40 more medical students in 2020 and 2021. This is for those whose medical studies abroad were hampered by Covid-19.

According to the spokesperson, the intake of local universities is based on the needs of the healthcare sector as well as the admission standards of the universities.

The company said that it was hiring doctors from Australia and Britain too. The applicants have to be graduates from medical schools listed in the Medical Registration Act.

These doctors hired from other countries will be granted conditional registration for clinical practice under strict supervision.

“Priority is given to locals who graduate from medical schools recognized by the Singapore Medical Council,” the MOHH said.

This development has not gone down well with many netizens. Many questioned the decision to “import” doctors, while some raised concerns about fake certification.

Liked this article? Sign up to receive our regular email newsletters, focused on Africa and World’s healthcare industry, directly into your inbox. SUBSCRIBE HERE