Tackle Covid-19 but keep long-term vision; 7,500 healthcare jobs till end-2021: MOH

EVEN while tackling Covid-19, Singapore must not lose sight of its long-term healthcare vision, Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong said on Tuesday, in his ministry's addendum to the President's address at Monday's opening of Parliament.

This involves three major pushes: improving health and preventive healthcare; enhancing community-based services; and reviewing healthcare affordability and subsidy frameworks.

From now till end 2021, the healthcare sector will offer some 7,500 jobs and 1,600 traineeships, attachments and skills training opportunities.

About a third of the job vacancies are for healthcare professionals. The rest, including support care and administrative and ancillary roles, are across the public healthcare and community care sectors, and suitable for fresh graduates and mid-career workers without backgrounds in healthcare.

In its continued efforts against the coronavirus pandemic, the Ministry of Health (MOH) will ensure sufficient healthcare resources and "maintain adequate quarantine and community isolation capacity, to remain prepared for any sudden surge in cases", said Mr Gan.

The MOH will also continue to tap data and technology to improve its capability to respond, as well as deepen international co-operation, including in vaccine and therapeutics development.

For as long as Covid-19 remains, Singapore must stay vigilant, Mr Gan added. "We will work together with businesses, workers, civil society, and members of the public alike to find new and safe ways to operate."

Pandemic aside, the government remains focused on its long-term healthcare goals. In health management, upcoming moves include enhancing subsidies for vaccinations in various settings, and giving more support for healthy ageing. Enhancements to community-based services include expanding the service scope of eldercare centres.

"While Covid-19 has pushed back the completion timelines for some of the upcoming new facilities, we will continue to expand our healthcare capacity, such as by building a new hospital in the east and new polyclinics across Singapore by 2030," added Mr Gan.

As for affordability, apart from previously announced initiatives beginning this year - ElderFund, CareShield Life, and MediSave Care - the MOH is working with the MediShield Life Council to review benefits and premiums for the scheme. "Our subsidy frameworks will also be reviewed to ensure that they remain adequate and directed at those who need it most," said Mr Gan.

The impact of Covid-19 was also clear in addenda released by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) on Tuesday.

The MOE will make "blended learning" - combining online and classroom learning - an integral feature of the curriculum from 2021.

Other upcoming measures include more places in post-secondary programmes such as the Institute of Technical Education's Work-Study Diplomas; new and upgraded special education schools; making SkillsFuture Work-Study Programmes a mainstream pathway by 2025; and more help for mid-career workers in their 40s and 50s to "refresh their skillsets".

The MSF, which has been providing support through schemes such as ComCare and the Covid-19 Support Grant during this crisis, will continue to review and strengthen safety nets as Singapore combats Covid-19 and its economic impact.

Other priorities for the term ahead include expanding networks, programmes and partnerships; strengthening support for persons with disabilities; improving preschool accessibility, affordability and quality; and strengthening support in areas such as family resilience and mental health.