Healthcare Workers Finally Back on the Road
After a nearly two‑year stretch of nonstop shifts and missing family celebrations, Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) has officially lifted the ban on overseas leave for doctors and nurses. The decision comes on Monday, following record‑breaking workloads and the extra toll of social isolation for many front‑line staff.
What the Circular Tells Us
- Timeline: Monday, 19 Oct, MOH Holdings sent out a circular to all public hospital personnel.
- Why It Happened: Recent government tweaks to travel rules and the opening of Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs) on 9 Oct prompted a re‑examination of healthcare‑worker travel guidelines.
- VTL Highlights: Eligible travellers to 11 stable‑COVID countries can skip quarantine if fully vaccinated, but must still do PCR tests before leaving and upon arrival.
- Countries Covered: Brunei, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, South Korea, Spain, Britain, and the U.S.
There Are Still Rules to Follow
MOH offers no waiver of the normal travel checks. All trips must meet the latest “Travel Advisory” from MOH and the health measures listed on the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority website. In practice, this means:
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
- You should hold the correct entry visa for your destination.
- When you book your annual leave, notify MOH of your vaccination status and the exact destination city.
Private Hospitals Are on the Same Page
Dr. Prem Kumar Nair, chief executive of IHH Healthcare Singapore—operator of Mount Elizabeth Orchard, Mount Elizabeth Novena, Gleneagles, and Parkway East—confirmed that his company now allows staff to travel without restrictions. “We’ve cut the cord that kept our foreign teammates from seeing their families for the past 20 months. Thank you, you heroes,” he said.
Why This Matters
- Healthcare workers have sacrificed personal time to keep patients safe.
- Rest and relaxation are essential for their mental health and overall performance.
- Enabling travel means a healthier, happier workforce that can continue delivering high‑quality care.
So grab your passport, book that flight, and get ready to explore the world—grateful for a little well‑deserved vacation time after turning your back on free time for two whole years.
