Exploring Healthcare Access for Migrant Workers in Singapore: “Utilization, Barriers, and Perspectives"

Abstract

Background: As of 2024, migrant workers make up to 26% of Singapore’s totalpopulation. Despite recent enhancements in healthcare coverage for migrant workers in Singapore including Primary Care Plan, Project MOCCA (Management of Oral and Chronic Conditions and Ailments), and increase in healthcare coverage, notable gaps persist specifically in the care of non-communicable diseases. This research aims to explore healthcare utilization among migrant workers in Singapore, identify potential barriers to healthcare access and understand their perspectives on healthcare services.Methods: This study utilized a mixed-methods approach enrolling migrantworkers admitted to Singapore General Hospital. Data collection included a multilingual health needs assessment survey covering sociodemographics, healthcare utilization, financial burden, perceptions of health services and barriers to healthcare access. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression models, while qualitative open text response data underwent thematic analysis.Results: Awareness of existing health insurance schemes was low, with only12.5% of migrant workers aware of the Primary Care Plan and 5% aware of Project MOCCA. Less than one third of the migrant workers have received an income increase in the last year despite rising inflation while 42.1% reported having debts. Among participants, 68.3% expressed interest in a supplementary health insurance scheme covering outpatient care. Participants reported several barriers to healthcare access including lack of awareness of existing health insurance schemes, difficulty navigating the referral process, employers’ role as gate keepers and language barriers.Conclusions: Financial constraints, language barriers, employer gatekeeping andlimited health literacy are key themes that emerged from this study. These findings contribute to a growing body of literature on migrant health by highlighting the structural and systemic obstacles that influence healthcare utilization patterns. Moving forward, targeted interventions are needed to address these challenges and ensure equitable healthcare access to all migrant workers in Singapore.