HSEU expands reach with Ren Ci Hospital and GP+ agreements to boost worker protection and skills

With job disruption and skills obsolescence becoming an increasing concern amongst workers, the Healthcare Services Employees’ Union (HSEU) is expanding its representation to protect and upskill more workers in the healthcare sector.

On 20 April 2026, HSEU signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Ren Ci Hospital to represent its 1,000-strong workforce. A week prior, the union also signed an agreement with GP+ Co-operative Limited (GP+) on 13 April 2026 to support doctors in their capacity as small-business owners.

NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng, who witnessed the signing of both MOUs, said NTUC has been engaging doctors and is aware of the challenges they face as both healthcare professionals and small-business owners.

“While the professional issues and operational concerns they have may be different, the underlying need is the same – to be supported through change and to have their interests represented. In the face of changes brought about by AI [artificial intelligence], NTUC is committed to representing and supporting PMEs, including doctors,” he said.

MOU signing between HSEU and GP+ Co-operative Limited on 13 April 2026.

Challenges faced by GPs and other highly professionalised sectors

Under the HSEU-GP+ agreement, HSEU will train primary care clinic staff in AI awareness and help GP+ clinics adopt new technologies and redesign workflows to boost productivity. The upskilling effort will be supported by the NTUC Company Training Committee (CTC) initiative and the CTC Grant.

As AI adoption accelerates, workers face rising concerns over job disruption and skills becoming outdated.

NTUC’s Survey on Economic Sentiments in 2025 found that 47 per cent of respondents see the need to upskill, with nearly one in five PMEs viewing AI or automation as a threat to their job security.

Highly professionalised sectors such as medicine, accountancy and law are also being reshaped by technology. NTUC said it recognises that career transitions can be difficult, as these professions require years of specialised training and structured pathways.

For GPs, the challenge is twofold. Many juggle clinical duties with running a business, managing daily operations, andkeeping up with evolving medical technologies.

In view of these challenges, NTUC underscored the need for holistic support to help GPs adapt both professionally and operationally.

GP+ Chairman Aziz Noordin – who signed the MOU with HSEU, NTUC LearningHub, and NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute – said the partnership is planning to roll out targeted support programmes in workforce development, clinic operations and mentorship for doctors.

“Through this collaboration, we hope to translate ground realities into practical support for clinics and healthcare professionals, while strengthening how care is delivered in the community,” said Dr Aziz.

Ren Ci Hospital formally recognises HSEU

The MOU between HSEU and Ren Ci was signed by HSEU President K Thanaletchimi and Ren Ci CEO Yong Keng Kwang.

Moving forward, the union will represent the Ren Ci workforce, thereby strengthening its presence in community care and social services and giving workers a stronger collective voice.

“The signing of this MOU with the HSEU marks an important milestone for Ren Ci Hospital. It reflects our commitment to strengthen the foundation for mutual trust and open dialogue, working on staff well-being, fair employment practices and staff professional development,” said Mr Yong.

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