Pre-employment grant to help S'porean medical students studying abroad
By Mustafa Shafawi | Posted: 29 July 2010 1622 hrs


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SINGAPORE : Singapore's public healthcare clusters are launching a pre-employment grant (PEG) to assist Singaporean medical students studying overseas during their final two years of study.

The students will receive financial assistance, assured employment, and opportunities for post-graduate specialist training, in return for a commitment to serve the clusters for up to 4 years.

The clusters, including SingHealth and the National Healthcare Group, said the PEG will be an additional talent recruitment measure to attract more doctors from overseas to supplement the local pipeline of doctors.

The pre-employment grant will cover up to 60 per cent of the remaining years of tuition fees, subject to a limit of S$40,000 per year.

All Singaporean students studying in an overseas medical school recognised by the Singapore Medical Council are eligible to apply.

The selection will be based on merit. Students should possess good grades in their medical studies, especially in their clinical training years.

Recipients of the grant will be required to serve in the hospital clusters for a minimum period.

Students receiving a one-year grant will serve in the hospital clusters for three years, while those receiving a two-year grant will serve for four years.

The service period will include the one-year housemanship period if it is served locally.

The clusters will pilot the pre-employment grant for three years, and review the cost effectiveness of the scheme at the end of the pilot.

Applications for the grant will open from August 16. - CNA /ls