By Jessica Jaganathan

THE Ministry of Health (MOH) has hired 1,100 people since the start of the year and there are still 2,600 vacancies available now.

In all, MOH will take in 4,500 workers for the public health-care sector in the next two years instead of over the next five.

This change of plan is aimed at opening up job options for Singaporeans hit by the economic downturn, said Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan yesterday at a dialogue. 'I really encourage Singaporeans - whether you are retrenched or want to change your career - to consider health care because it's a very meaningful job, but of course, you do need training.'

The 1,100 recent hires - six in 10 of them Singaporeans - were recruited for nursing, allied health and administrative positions. About 27 per cent of the locals were above 40.

Ms Chua Siew Tin, 48, was retrenched from her position as a financial analyst in a multinational corporation last month. Feeling helpless, she tried for a job across the various sectors. Singapore General Hospital took her in as a finance executive almost immediately.

Despite taking 30 per cent pay cut, she is grateful for the job.

'There are a lot of career advancements in the health-care sector, so there will be ample opportunities to move up the ladder. I also get exposure to a different industry.'

MOH is also funding about 250 training places for Singaporeans making a mid-career switch. So far, 93 places have been filled.

Mr Khaw said the health-care sector has enough jobs for Singaporeans and foreigners and that it was most important to have the right attitude and the willingness to come forward.

This article was first published in The Straits Times.