Singapore to Train 10,000 Nurses in Palliative Care by 2030

Why It Matters

Training thousands of nurses and empowering caregivers will expand home palliative care, improving quality of life for Singapore’s aging population while easing pressure on hospitals and healthcare spending.

Key Takeaways

• Singapore aims to train 10,000 nurses in palliative care by 2030
• Goal covers over 20% of Singapore’s nursing workforce
• Home palliative care limited by caregiver confidence and readiness
• Ministry will boost subsidies, streamline referrals, and raise Medishield limits
• Emphasis on humanistic care shifts focus from cure to dignity

Summary

Singapore’s health ministry announced an ambitious target to train 10,000 nurses in general palliative care competencies by 2030, representing more than one‑fifth of the nation’s nursing workforce. The initiative is part of a refreshed national palliative‑care strategy launched in 2023, aiming to integrate emotional, spiritual, and physical support across hospitals, community settings, and homes.

Since 2023, Singapore has seen a 30% rise in home‑based and inpatient hospice capacity and more patients receiving end‑of‑life care. However, many still die in acute hospitals because families lack confidence to manage complex care tasks at home. The ministry cites caregiver readiness as the key barrier to expanding home palliative services.

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung highlighted the need for broader training of family physicians, allied health workers, and community nurses, while Dr. Angel Lee, a three‑decade pioneer, emphasized that palliative care is about shifting goals from cure to dignity and quality of life. Lee received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Singapore Palliative Care Conference for her advocacy.

If successful, the program could reduce hospital deaths, lower acute‑care costs, and foster a cultural shift toward humane, patient‑centered end‑of‑life care. Enhanced subsidies, streamlined referral processes, and increased Medishield Life limits aim to make palliative services more affordable and accessible.

Original Description

Singapore aims to train 10,000 nurses in general palliative care competencies by 2030. The move will equip more than a fifth of the country’s nursing workforce with skills to support patients’ physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung says broader training across healthcare roles will improve continuity of care. While more patients are receiving palliative support, many still die in hospitals. Efforts are underway to strengthen home and hospice care, and better support families managing complex care. Nadine Yeam reports.