29,000 nurses to receive up to S$100,000 in MOH's new retention scheme

SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has introduced a new retention incentive scheme for nurses called ANGEL, which stands for Award for Nurses' Grace, Excellence, and Loyalty.

Under this scheme, each nursing officer has the potential to receive up to S$100,000 over 20 years or until reaching the prevailing retirement age, whichever comes first.

The announcement was made by Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung during the Luving Nurses Forum at National University Hospital (NUH) on Tuesday (20 February).

The ANGEL scheme is expected to benefit approximately 29,000 nursing officers, with different award amounts based on age and years of service.

Newly recruited nurses and those aged below 46 will receive awards ranging from S$20,000 to S$30,000 every four to six years.

For nurses aged 46 and above with several years of service, immediate awards of S$5,000 to S$15,000 will be granted, depending on their years of service.

The scheme also extends to foreign nurses who have served continuously for at least four years.

Nurses working outside of public hospitals, such as in Voluntary Welfare Organisations and community facilities within Singapore's community care organisations, can participate in the ANGEL scheme.

These organisations will co-fund the awards, with the majority of the funding provided by the government.

Mr Ong announced, "Long-serving nurses aged 46 and above will get your first retention award by before end of this year, which is the year zero payout.

For the younger nurses, you will get your first payout in 2028 when you reach your first milestone. So, please stay," he added.

He also shared this news on his Facebook page on the same day, receiving significant attention and positive responses from netizens.

Mr Ong expressed his gratitude to the MOH and cluster HR officers for their hard work in designing and approving the scheme, allowing for the announcement to be made before Chap Goh Mei.

"I hope it brings some cheer to you this Chinese New Year," he remarked.

During the nurses' forum, Mr Ong was pleased to note that the announcement was met with enthusiastic cheers and applause.

" We set up the ANGEL scheme because nursing is the largest healthcare profession in our system, and competition for nursing recruitment has become more intense."

He continued, "Nursing is no easy job as it is a commitment to care for others in their most vulnerable moments."

Mr Ong concluded his speech by extending gratitude to the nurses, thanking them for choosing to make a difference in the lives of others.