Experts Urge Government to Recognise Nursing Degrees, Improve Pay to Retain Local Talent

PETALING JAYA:Health experts are calling on the government to recognize nursing degrees, raise salaries, and improve working conditions to address Malaysia’s growing nurse shortage and prevent more professionals from leaving for overseas opportunities.

Islamic Medical Association of Malaysia member Datin Dr. Aishah Ali noted that although the Bachelor of Nursing has been offered since 1993, the degree is still not recognized by the Public Service Department. As a result, many graduates are placed under diploma-level salary schemes, limiting career growth.

“Graduate teachers are placed at Grade 41. Why not graduate nurses?” she asked, urging authorities to align salaries and promotions with qualifications.

Health Minister Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad recently revealed that as of June 30, there were 10,027 vacancies for nurses in the public sector. Between 2020 and 2023, 1,754 nurses resigned, though 8,121 new staff nurses were appointed. To address shortages, the intake of trainee nurses has been tripled from 1,000 to 3,000 annually, while the ministry also plans to offer permanent posts under the Public Service Transformation initiative.

However, Dr. Aishah cautioned against the decision to relax entry requirements for nursing diplomas, saying it could compromise patient safety. “Nurses need a strong foundation in mathematics and science to safely calculate drug dosages. Lowering standards is not the solution,” she warned.

Malayan Nurses Union president Saaidah Athman echoed concerns over retention, calling for the reinstatement of frozen allowances such as critical, shift, and transport benefits. She also urged for smoother promotion pathways and the creation of new roles like clinical nurses and nurse researchers.

Meanwhile, Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia president Datuk Dr. Kuljit Singh described the nurse shortage in the private sector as “semi-critical,” noting that overseas opportunities remain far more attractive. He urged the government to streamline recruitment and promote nursing as a career choice from an early age.

Nurse consultant Mariam Mohd Nasir said the exodus of Malaysian nurses reflected both the global recognition of their training and shortcomings in domestic policies. “Our nurses are in demand worldwide because they’re well-trained and professional. But they leave because they don’t feel valued,” she said, calling for reforms in career development, work-life balance, and nurse-patient ratios.

“Higher salaries alone won’t solve the problem. Nurses need recognition, respect, and a clear path forward,” Mariam stressed.