Allied Health students in Singapore are required to complete mandatory clinical internships, typically lasting about six weeks, during the course of graduate study . During these internships, students work full-time in public healthcare institutions, contributing to patient care while meeting professional and clinical standards. Despite this, Allied Health students do not receive any allowance, even as they incur daily costs while supporting the healthcare system.

This gap in support deserves urgent attention.

Allied Health Internships Are Full-Time, Real-World Work

Allied Health internships are not casual observerships. Students in disciplines such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, radiography, dietetics, and pharmacy services are expected to:

• Report daily for full clinical hours
• Follow hospital protocols and professional conduct requirements
• Assist in patient assessments, treatments, diagnostics, and documentation
• Work under supervision while handling real clinical responsibilities

These students are actively involved in service delivery and clinical workflows. Their contribution is meaningful, even if supervised.

Financial Strain During a Six-Week Internship

A six-week internship creates unavoidable out-of-pocket expenses, including:

• Daily transport to hospitals
• Meals during shift
• Professional attire and basic equipment

For students from lower- and middle-income households, this period can be financially stressful. The absence of any allowance means students must absorb these costs while working full-time.

Why Nursing Students Receive Allowances?

Nursing students in Singapore do not pay for internships and may receive allowances under sponsorship or bonded schemes. This reflects national manpower planning and the recognised service contribution nurses make during clinical postings.

However, Allied Health professionals are equally essential to patient recovery, diagnostics, rehabilitation, and long-term care. The healthcare system does not function effectively without them.

The current difference in treatment unintentionally signals that Allied Health contributions are less valued, which is not aligned with the realities of modern healthcare delivery.

This Is About Fair Support, Not Equal Pay

Advocating for an internship allowance is not a demand for salaries. It is a call for:

• Basic financial support to offset daily costs
• Recognition of students’ time, effort, and contribution
• Reduced financial inequity across healthcare disciplines

A modest allowance would ease hardship without changing the educational nature of internships.

A Case for Policy Review

As Singapore strengthens its healthcare workforce pipeline, it is timely for Ministry of Health, public healthcare clusters, and training institutions to review Allied Health internship policies.

Providing allowances can:

• Improve student morale and well-being
• Support workforce sustainability
• Signal respect for all healthcare professions
• Encourage retention in Allied Health careers

Conclusion

Providing allowances can:

• Improve student morale and well-being
• Support workforce sustainability
• Signal respect for all healthcare professions
• Encourage retention in Allied Health careers

Conclusion

Allied Health students work hard, train seriously, and contribute meaningfully during internships. Providing a basic internship allowance is reasonable, fair, and forward-looking. If Singapore values Allied Health professionals in practice, that recognition should begin during training.

Author’s Note
I am writing this as a parent, on behalf of my child who is currently an Allied Health student. This perspective reflects the lived experience of families supporting students through mandatory clinical internships, finance of course and the practical challenges they face while contributing to Singapore’s healthcare system.