08 COVER STORY
The HEALTH | May-June. 2026
Bringing them home
Prof Dato ' Dr Hanafiah Harunarashid
• KPJ Healthcare ' s new Chief Medical Director aims to strengthen clinical excellence across the group ' s nationwide network.
• Advances in AI, telemedicine and precision medicine are reshaping healthcare delivery.
• Talent retention remains one of the healthcare sector ' s biggest challenges.
HEALTHCARE is evolving rapidly, with greater emphasis on prevention, early intervention and personalised care. Yet as healthcare systems embrace artificial intelligence, telemedicine and precision medicine, a more immediate challenge continues to shape the sector ' s future: the migration of medical talent.
For Prof Dato ' Dr Hanafiah Harunarashid, who recently assumed the role of Chief Medical Director at KPJ Healthcare Berhad( KPJ), strengthening Malaysia ' s healthcare workforce is central to ensuring the country remains competitive and capable of delivering high-quality patient care.
KPJ, one of Malaysia ' s largest private healthcare groups, operates 30 hospitals, supported by nearly 18,000 staff and 2,000 specialists. As Chief Medical Director, Prof Hanafiah provides clinical leadership across the network and ensures patient care remains
" My role as Chief Medical Director is to provide clinical leadership across the KPJ network and ensure that patient care remains at the centre of everything we do."
- Prof Dato ' Dr Hanafiah Harunarashid at the heart of every decision. A CHALLENGE BEYOND BORDERS
While maintaining clinical excellence remains a priority, Prof Hanafiah acknowledged that the migration of healthcare professionals has long been a concern for Malaysia and many other countries worldwide.
Doctors and specialists leave for a variety of reasons, including professional development opportunities, working conditions, financial incentives and personal considerations. In an increasingly interconnected world, healthcare talent can move across borders more easily than ever.
“ The pull factors are difficult to control because healthcare professionals have the right to pursue what they believe is best for themselves and their families,” he said.
Nevertheless, he believes Malaysia remains well-positioned to compete for talent, provided the right conditions are in place.
Improving the local healthcare environment is key. This includes offering competitive remuneration, access to advanced technologies, opportunities for specialist training, and supportive workplaces where professionals feel valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully.
Healthcare professionals today are looking beyond salary alone. They seek organisations that invest in their development, offer opportunities for leadership and research, and enable them to practise at the highest level of their expertise.
Prof Hanafiah remains optimistic that Malaysia can not only retain its healthcare professionals but also attract Malaysians working abroad to return home, citing the country ' s strong medical education ecosystem and expanding healthcare capabilities.
BUILDING A SYSTEM WORTH RETURNING TO
Part of that effort involves advancing the KPJ Health System, which integrates practice, education, research and innovation to strengthen patient outcomes, professional development and continuous improvement across the network.
Prof Hanafiah hopes to support KPJ ' s transformation into an academic health system, drawing inspiration from internationally recognised institutions where these