Written by Dr Seah, a locum doctor who built Locum Radar for other locum healthcare professionals. Last updated 30 September 2026.
To start locum work in Singapore, make sure your professional registration is current, sort out your indemnity, then find sessions through a channel that shows what is open and lets you book directly. On Locum Radar you can do that last step on Telegram at @locumradar_bot.
What is locum work?
Locum work means covering a clinic’s session for a set period instead of joining as permanent staff. A locum might cover a morning, an evening, a weekend or a longer stretch while a clinic’s own team is away or short-staffed. Doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and clinic assistants all do locum work.
What do you need before your first session?
- Valid registration. Doctors need to be registered with the Singapore Medical Council and hold a valid practising certificate. Nurses and allied health professionals need current registration with their own professional bodies.
- Indemnity. Ask whether the clinic’s cover extends to you, and arrange your own indemnity if it does not.
- Your employment terms. If you hold another job, check that your contract allows locum work.
- Your details ready. Keep your registration number and contact details to hand, because clinics will ask for them.
How do you find locum sessions in Singapore?
- Group chats. Clinics often post sessions there. You may need to message an admin and wait for a reply.
- Colleagues and former workplaces. Let people know you are available.
- Agencies. They match you with clinics, so ask how they work.
- Booking platforms. Locum Radar shows open sessions and lets you book directly, so you know at once whether a slot is free.
How do you book a session on Locum Radar?
- Open @locumradar_bot on Telegram.
- See which sessions are open and which are filled.
- Book the session that suits you.
You do not need to contact Locum Radar first.
What should you ask before accepting a session?
- What are the start and finish times, and are there breaks?
- How many patients should you expect?
- Which clinic system do they use, and will you get a login?
- Who can you call on site if you have a question?
- What is the rate, and when is payment made?
- What are the cancellation terms if either side needs to change the session?
How can you make your first session go well?
- Arrive a little early and ask for a short handover.
- Find out the clinic’s emergency process and referral routes before your first patient.
- Keep clear notes, so the regular team can follow up.
- Ask for feedback afterwards. Clinics remember locums who make their day easier.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a practising certificate to work as a locum doctor in Singapore? Yes. Doctors practising in Singapore need to be registered and hold a valid practising certificate.
Can I do locum work alongside a full-time job? It depends on your employment contract. Check with your employer before you accept sessions.
Do I have to contact Locum Radar to book? No. Book through @locumradar_bot. Only clinics that want to join need to contact us.
Clinic looking for cover? WhatsApp us on +65 8023 5014 or email locumradar@gmail.com. We reply within one working day.