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Pay nurses better, improve working conditions instead of easing entry requirements: MMA | Scoop
The Health Ministry (MoH) has eased entry requirements for the diploma in nursing for the 2025 and 2026 intakes, to three SPM credits compared to five previously. - File pic, February 7, 2025
News

Pay nurses better, improve working conditions instead of easing entry requirements: MMA

Standards must be maintained, and this could include meaningful incentives for long-serving nurses to retain talent in the field

Scoop Reporters
Updated
5:39 PM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR — The Health Ministry (MoH) should focus on improving nurses’ working conditions and remuneration, rather than lowering entry requirements for diploma in nursing programmes, the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) said.

MMA president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira acknowledged the country’s shortage of nurses, but stressed it is important to maintain Malaysia’s internationally recognised healthcare standards.

“Nurses are vital members of the healthcare team, working alongside doctors and being relied upon to play a crucial role in patient care.

“Rather than easing entry requirements, we strongly believe that efforts should be focused on improving nurses’ terms of services and employment. This includes better remuneration, reasonable work hours, and career development opportunities to not only attract new student nurses, but also to retain talent in the profession,” he said in a statement, as reported by Bernama.

Kalwinder said regulators must thoroughly evaluate the decision to lower entry requirements for the nursing diploma, a move that is expected to be in place for the next two years.

MMA said MoH should also offer meaningful incentives to long-serving nurses, to retain experienced professionals in the field.

The association was responding to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad’s recent announcement to relax entry requirements for nursing programmes to counter the nationwide nurse shortage. 

The new criteria will be applicable only to students enrolling in the 2025 and 2026 intakes. 

Under the previous requirements, candidates needed five Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia credits which must include Bahasa Melayu, Mathematics, and one science subject, along with a pass in English. 

However, under the new requirements, applicants will now only need three credits – for Bahasa Melayu, Mathematics, and one science subject, and a pass in two subjects, including English.

Kalwinder acknowledged the need to increase student intake at public nursing schools but emphasised that the quality of nursing standards must be maintained.

“We should be addressing the root causes of the shortages of nurses in the country. Similar to intake for local medical schools, fewer nurses are being produced due to a drop or inadequate enrolment at nursing schools. This shortage will eventually have an effect both on the public and private healthcare sectors.”

With more students drawn to other careers, he said MoH must improve service conditions, remuneration and career progression within the nursing profession.

“Whatever remedial actions are being taken, or being planned to overcome the shortages, should simultaneously always strive to maintain the standards of the profession at all times”. – February 7, 2025

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