THE Ministry of Health (MOH) will take in 4,500 workers into the public healthcare sector in the next two years instead of over the next five.
This change of plan is aimed at opening up job options for Singaporeans hit by the downturn, said Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan on Sunday.
Speaking at a dialogue in Paya Lebar Kovan Community Club, he said: 'I really encourage Singaporeans - whether you are retrenched or want to change your career - to consider health care because it's a very meaningful job, but of course, you do need training.'
Since January, 1,100 people have been recruited, six in 10 of them Singaporeans, for administrative positions, nursing and allied health.
More than a quarter of the Singaporeans - 27 per cent - were above 40.
MOH said 2,600 job vacancies are available now, of which one third are in nursing, one third in medical and allied health care and the rest, for administrative and support positions like managers, IT staff and care-coordinators.
It is also funding about 250 training places for Singaporeans making a mid-career switch. So far, 93 places have been filled.
Mr Khaw said the healthcare sector has enough jobs for Singaporeans and foreigners and that it was most important to have the right attitude and the willingness to come forward.
This month, labour chief Lim Swee Say predicted that more than 10,000 workers may be laid off in the first three months of this year - about the number laid off in a year in a booming economy.
- The Straits Times
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