Healthcare workers are facing evolving threats such as doxing and online stalking, prompting calls for updated protections within the sector. The need for adaptive safeguards was highlighted by Chua Hong Choon, co-chairperson of the tripartite workgroup on preventing abuse and harassment of healthcare workers, following the group’s conclusion earlier this year.
Chua, who is also chief executive of Khoo Teck Puat Hospital and Yishun Community Hospital, discussed the issue in an interview marking the end of the workgroup’s operations, which began in 2022 and held its final meeting in June. The group included representatives from the Ministry of Health (MOH), Healthcare Services Employees’ Union, public healthcare clusters, community care partners, and private healthcare providers. Its efforts culminated in the 2023 release of a standardised framework defining abuse and harassment while establishing consistent standards to protect healthcare personnel.
The framework is designed as a living document, adaptable to new forms of workplace abuse, including online harassment. During the final meeting, representatives from the recently established Online Safety Commission (OSC) introduced the healthcare sector to their mandate. Operational since June 29, the OSC holds statutory authority to issue takedown orders to social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube in response to harmful content. The commission currently prioritises combating intimate image abuse, image-based child abuse, doxing, online harassment, and online stalking.
Following the workgroup’s disbandment at the end of June, a community of practice (COP) will assume responsibility for ongoing discussions and knowledge sharing. Public healthcare clusters will rotate hosting two to three meetings annually involving various healthcare institutions and community care partners. These sessions will focus on managing difficult cases and addressing emerging issues.
Under the framework, forms of harassment causing moderate harm, such as unsolicited video recordings and stalking of staff, are actionable incidents. Healthcare facilities may issue written warnings or bar individuals from premises. In a cited example, a nurse at Yishun Community Hospital faced persistent harassment from a former patient who continued to stalk her after discharge. The hospital responded by restricting the individual’s ward access, enhancing security vigilance, providing counselling support to the nurse, granting recovery leave, and arranging daily escorts home to ensure her safety.
Data from MOH indicate a rise in reported abuse and harassment cases within public healthcare institutions, increasing from approximately 2,200 in 2023 to 4,200 in 2025, reflecting a 40% jump over the previous year. Chua attributes this increase to improved reporting rather than a surge in abusive behavior, noting that many incidents were previously unreported. A 2022 MOH survey found that two-thirds of healthcare workers experienced abuse within the past year, yet 75% did not report these events, often perceiving harassment as an occupational hazard.
Chua emphasized that the majority of patients and caregivers respect healthcare workers, and abuse incidents involve a small minority. He views the rising number of reports as indicative of growing awareness and institutional commitment to addressing the problem. He also noted that legal intervention remains a last resort, with efforts focusing on de-escalation and fostering constructive relationships between staff and patients.
Legal responses currently involve the Penal Code and the Protection from Harassment Act, under which perpetrators may face fines or imprisonment if convicted. While the workgroup considered advocating for stricter laws, concerns were raised about potentially alienating patients and caregivers. Chua stated that while further action may be necessary if situations worsen, current measures emphasize empowerment and responsible behavior from both healthcare workers and service users.