• Malaysia faces a potential nursing shortfall of nearly 60 per cent by 2030, with a need for 270,223 nurses compared to the current 120,667

• There has been a significant drop in nursing graduates, leading to the recent decision to ease entry requirements for nursing diploma programmes

• The shortage threatens the quality of healthcare services in Malaysia, particularly as the population ages and the burden of non-communicable diseases increases

BY KHIRTINI K KUMARAN

Last year, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad indicated that by 2030, the shortfall in nursing staff could approach an alarming 60 per cent.

As it stands, Malaysia is home to approximately 120,667 nurses, a figure that starkly contrasts with the projected requirement of 270,223 nurses by 2030. This disparity represents a staggering shortfall of 57.9 per cent, which raises urgent questions about the sustainability of public health services.

The Annual Report of the Malaysian Medical Council( MPM) has revealed a concerning decline in nursing graduates, with the number of provisional registrations plummeting from 6,147 in 2017 to just 3,247 in 2023. This trend indicates a worrying trajectory for the future nursing workforce.

Deputy Health Minister, Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni, stated in Dewan Rakyat earlier this year that, over the past five years, approximately 1,754 nurses have left the profession.

Among these, 28 per cent cited personal reasons, while 18.22 per cent left for other career opportunities, often in the private sector where better salaries and benefits are available.

The ministry’ s statistics indicate that in 2024 alone, 582 nurses resigned, further exacerbating the staffing crisis.

THE BROADER IMPLICATIONS

The nursing shortage is not merely a staffing issue; it poses a significant threat to the quality and accessibility of healthcare services in Malaysia. Overcrowded hospitals and strained resources can lead to burnout among existing staff, further driving nurses away from the profession.

Malaysian Nurses Association( MNA) President Aisyahton Suhaimi emphasised that nurse burnout is a serious and growing concern, exacerbated by increasing workloads and the emotional strain of patient care.

" Poor work-life balance is a major

HEALTHCARE UNDERSTAFFED: With projections showing a critical shortfall of nurses, the nation must confront the challenges head-on to ensure robust healthcare for generations to come( Pic Source: Malaysian Nurses Association Facebook)

Aisyahton Suhaimi contributor to nurse burnout," she noted, advocating for initiatives that improve work-life balance and retention strategies.

The implications of this crisis extend beyond immediate staffing concerns. A well-functioning healthcare system is essential for managing public health challenges, such as the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases among an ageing population.

Without a sufficient number of nurses, Malaysia risks compromising the quality of care provided to its citizens, w h i c h c o u l d have long-term consequences for public health.

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

In an effort to address this pressing issue, the Malaysian g o ve r n m e n t h a s recently relaxed entry requirements for the Nursing Diploma programme. Candidates now need only three credits in their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia

( SPM), down from five.

This decision was made in light of the severe shortage of nurses, and the Health Minister confirmed that the relaxed requirements will apply to students entering the programme in 2025 and 2026.

While this initiative aims to increase the number of nursing trainees, experts caution that simply increasing the intake may not sufficiently address the underlying issues causing the shortage.

MNA has taken a cautious but proactive stance in response to the recent easing of entry requirements for nursing diploma programs. Aisyahton expressed concerns regarding the easing of entry criteria.

" While we recognise the urgency to fill nursing vacancies, we must not sacrifice quality for quantity.”

" We do not agree with the easing of entry criteria to 3 SPM credits," she stated, advocating for maintaining educational standards while finding other means to attract new talent into the profession.

MNA advocates for transitioning nursing into a degree-entry profession, aligning Malaysia with global benchmarks.

" The future of our healthcare system depends on highly educated, wellprepared nurses.”

MoH did not respond to TheHealth despite several attempts to engage with the Director-General of Health for insights on this pressing issue.

Dr Dzulkefly has acknowledged that many healthcare workers have transitioned to private institutions for better remuneration and working conditions. Between 2020 and 2024, over 6,919 healthcare workers, including nurses, resigned to pursue opportunities in the private sector.

This trend underscores the urgent need for the Ministry to enhance salaries and improve working conditions in the public healthcare system.

Additionally, the Ministry is exploring short-term solutions, such as recruiting foreign nurses. While this may provide immediate relief, these measures do not address the systemic issues that deter local candidates from entering the nursing profession.

Dr Dzulkefly has emphasised the importance of boosting morale among