More jobs in healthcare sector in 2005: Lim Boon Heng

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Singapore: More jobs in healthcare sector in 2005: Lim Boon Heng
"Workers can expect more job creation this year, especially in the healthcare sector. Labour chief Lim Boon Heng says the sector is expected to grow, as Singapore's society ages and new treatments are made available."

This year the union leaders chose to visit workers in the healthcare industry - a sector that is expected to see increased demand as the society ages.
New treatments that require technology will also need more skilled staff.

Secretary General of NTUC Lim Boon Heng says, “I think that the trend would always have to be a growing one because healthcare needs will always rise for 2 principle reasons. One because we are an ageing society and therefore we'll have more people going to hospitals and secondly because of technology, new treatments are available and what's not treatable will be treatable, and there will be an increase in the demand for the healthcare services. It is therefore a growing sector and a sector that requires people with better skills because of advances in technology. It is a noble profession because you are looking after the ill and putting them back on the path to recovery. It is a job that therefore deserves the consideration of Singaporeans, both young and old."

So besides younger workers entering the job market, Mr Lim says older workers making a mid-career switch can also consider healthcare as an option, especially as jobs are redesigned.

One example is 54-year old Michael Chong, who joined the healthcare sector two years ago, after 27 years in the banking industry.

Mr Chong, who used to work regular hours, is spending his first Chinese New Year away from home.

But he doesn't mind it as he's found greater satisfaction serving the needs of patients than when he was working as a clerk.

Michael Chong, Patient Care Assistant with the National University Hospital says, ”Every morning when I wake up, I'll be ready to come back to work. I always tell myself that today is better than yesterday. It's great, I'm wanted!"

Mr Lim is also optimistic the economic recovery last year will continue, although figures will be lower, compared to last year's strong growth, “We have passed the point of jobless recovery. I believe that companies will continue their trend of employing plus the efforts that we are making in job redesign, we hope that more Singaporeans who have been out of work, will get back into the workforce."

This is the 6th year that Mr Lim and key union leaders are making their visits to workplaces on the first day of Chinese New Year, to show their appreciation to workers who put duty above personal celebrations.

Source: Hasnita A Majid, "More jobs in healthcare sector in 2005: Lim Boon Heng," Channel NewsAsia, 10 February 2005.