SINGAPORE \u2013 Close to 400 employees at IHH Healthcare will be leaving the organisation as it looks at consolidating its business support services.<\/p>\n
In a statement on Nov 4, the healthcare group said that those affected are from its Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia offices.<\/p>\n
“As part of the consolidation, some employees will move into redesigned roles while approximately 0.5% of IHH’s 76,000 total workforce will transition out of the organisation across Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia,” it said.<\/p>\n
The figure translates to about 380 affected employees.<\/p>\n
Clinical services, healthcare professionals and patient-facing teams are not affected, IHH said, adding that patients will continue receiving the same quality of care at its hospitals and healthcare facilities.<\/p>\n
In response to queries, an IHH spokesperson told The Straits Times that the changes “involve a combination of separation arrangements”.<\/p>\n
These include “voluntary separation offers and other employment separations” in accordance with practices across its markets.<\/p>\n
The spokesperson declined to share further details, citing respect for the privacy of IHH employees.<\/p>\n
IHH operates 190 healthcare facilities across 10 countries, including Malaysia, Singapore and India. Eighty-nine of the facilities are hospitals.<\/p>\n
Brands operating in Singapore include Parkway, Gleneagles and Mount Elizabeth.<\/p>\n
Patrick Tay, secretary-general of the Singapore Manual & Mercantile Workers’ Union (SMMWU), said on Nov 5 that affected workers were informed of the consolidation exercise on Nov 4, the same day IHH issued its statement.<\/p>\n
IHH’s subsidiaries, Parkway Hospitals Singapore and Parkway Laboratory Services, are unionised under SMMWU.<\/p>\n
In its Nov 4 statement, IHH said the changes are part of its transformation efforts to “drive consistency, efficiency and scalability”.<\/p>\n
It added that a consolidation of its business support services will “harmonise processes, unlock synergies across its network and invest resources where they create the greatest impact for patients”.<\/p>\n
The group previously announced in June that it would be implementing a new enterprise resource planning system.<\/p>\n
It said that employees who are leaving the organisation will receive “support beyond local statutory requirements”.<\/p>\n
This includes enhanced severance packages, immediate access to career transition and outplacement support, and a confidential channel for feedback and assistance.<\/p>\n
“IHH is committed to helping staff and their families, ensuring they have access to practical support and resources throughout this transition, with care and respect at every step,” it added.<\/p>\n
Group chief executive officer Prem Kumar Nair said in the statement that the decision was not one that the healthcare group took lightly.<\/p>\n
He added that the global healthcare landscape has become increasingly complex and fast-changing as a result of advances in technology, growing healthcare needs and patient expectations.<\/p>\n
“To continue delivering high-quality patient care for the long term, we must change the way we work and build an organisation that is more resilient, agile and future-ready,” he said.<\/p>\n
IHH said there would be no changes to business operations and existing contractual arrangements for suppliers, partners and vendors.<\/p>\n
“Any future changes will be communicated in a timely and transparent manner,” it added.<\/p>\n
Union supporting affected workers<\/p>\n
Tay said on Nov 5 that SMMWU was informed in advance about IHH’s plans to consolidate its business support services.<\/p>\n
SMMWU has been working with the healthcare group to ensure that affected members and workers receive a fair severance package in line with the collective agreement, he said.<\/p>\n
It is also ensuring that the workers are treated fairly in accordance with the Tripartite Advisory on Managing Excess Manpower and Responsible Retrenchment.<\/p>\n
Union representatives were also on-site to engage affected members and workers, address their queries, and provide support, Tay said.<\/p>\n
“The company has assured the union of its support for affected workers, including through career guidance and CV preparation, advice on starting a business, emotional support, outplacement services and upskilling advice,” he added.<\/p>\n
He said that the union will provide further assistance and resources to those affected, including connecting them to networks such as NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute.<\/p>\n
The institute can support affected Singaporeans and permanent residents with job matching services, career coaching and skills upgrading advisory.<\/p>\n
In a Facebook post on Nov 5, Tay said that Nov 4 was “not the last day” for affected employees, and that they would be given time and outplacement support as they undergo the transition, which will be completed in early 2027.<\/p>\n
He added that he was told that affected workers could apply for any available roles within IHH and will be redeployed or placed if they are found suitable.<\/p>\n
According to Tay, IHH is also working with other local healthcare-related institutions that are keen to hire.<\/p>\n
IHH has a primary listing on Bursa Malaysia and a secondary listing on the Singapore Exchange.<\/p>\n
Source: The Straits Times \u00a9 SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction<\/a><\/p>\n