The Ministry of Health reports that cases of abuse and harassment of healthcare workers in public institutions doubled from around 2,200 to 4,200 between 2023 and 2025. 

Between 2023 and 2025, reports of abuse and harassment involving healthcare workers in public healthcare institutions doubled from around 2,200 to 4,200 cases, according to Singapore’s Ministry of Health. 

Among them, the number of cases reported to the police increased from 350 to 550 cases. This, the ministry said, reflects a growing awareness of what constitutes unacceptable behaviour and greater confidence among healthcare workers to report against abuse and harassment.

At the same time, the Tripartite Framework for the Prevention of Abuse and Harassment in Healthcare, which was set up in 2023 on concerns about rising abuse of health workers, published its report. Over the past three years, it has engaged more than 3,000 healthcare workers and more than 1,500 members of the public through surveys and focus group discussions. 

About two-in-three healthcare workers surveyed reported that they had witnessed or experienced abuse or harassment, with verbal abuse among the most prevalent forms. Many incidents went unreported then, as healthcare workers held back due to unclear reporting channels, fear of repercussions, or a belief that such treatment was simply part of the job.

“Physical safeguards, psychological wellbeing, secure systems, clear processes and respectful interactions all contribute to an environment in which we can feel safe,” said minister of state for health Rahayu Mahzam at the launch of the report. 

“This shared responsibility is especially important to prevent abuse and harassment against healthcare workers. Such incidents can affect the individuals involved, the colleagues who witness them and the teams that support them… abuse and harassment must never be accepted as an inevitable part of the job. A firm and coordinated response is therefore important to protect staff, support them after an incident, and maintain a respectful care environment,” he continued. 

The workgroup will now transition to a community of practice which will provide a platform to continue sharing experiences, strengthen capabilities and exchange best practices to prevent abuse and harassment of healthcare workers. It will comprise members from the public healthcare clusters, community care organisations, private healthcare providers, and the healthcare services employees’ union.