3 strategies to handle critical nurse shortage in hospitals

The health ministry has outlined three strategies to tackle the critical shortage of nurses in Malaysian hospitals. According to Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad, the first strategy involves boosting the number of nursing graduates.

Currently, there are 10,557 vacancies for nurses in health facilities out of a total of 73,281 Grade U5 nurse positions. To increase the intake of nurse trainees, the ministry has raised the annual intake from 1,000 to 3,000. The minister also mentioned plans to outsource up to 2,000 trainees each year to public and private higher education institutions to expand this strategy.

The second strategy focuses on enhancing career pathways for existing nurses. Dzulkefly announced that the ministry will begin 15 on-the-job training programs in September, allowing staff to improve their skills without lengthy absences from their workplaces. Additionally, the ministry plans to expand the Transition Diploma program, which enables community nurses to transition into the role of registered nurses.

The third strategy involves direct recruitment and increased autonomy in staffing management. The public services department has approved an exemption from interim contract appointments for eligible Diploma in Nursing graduates. This means that all graduates who have completed the program and registered with the Nursing Board of Malaysia will be absorbed directly into permanent positions.

Furthermore, Dzulkefly revealed that four ILKKM branches in Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Muar, and Penang will reopen by October 2027, providing additional capacity for about 500 trainees. This will allow for a total of 5,500 trainees to undergo the Diploma in Nursing program annually.