Private hospitals’ capacity to expand facilities are restricted by shortage of nurses, says APHM president. — Filepic
WHILE private hospitals in Penang are hiring local nurses for now, they remain open to hiring foreigners.
Representatives of some hospitals which claimed to be understaffed, said it would be costly to bring in foreign nurses while others have a policy to hire only locals.
A representative from Sunway Medical Centre Penang said the hospital currently had enough nurses but was actively recruiting.
Gooi says there is a global shortage of healthcare workers.
“This will allow existing staff to attend development courses such as post-basic training courses, and it will also support the hospital’s ongoing expansion.
“Our current team of about 550 nurses are well-positioned to meet present needs, but we want to continue to strengthen our workforce in anticipation of future demand.
“We are expanding our hospital capacity and are exploring the option of recruiting foreign nurses.”
She said that while all departments were adequately staffed for now, there was demand for those with post-basic qualifications, particularly in the intensive care units and operation theatres.
“We have not decided from which country to recruit.
“Most importantly, the nurses must meet our standards, align with our culture and uphold international nursing practices,” said the hospital representative.
Penang health committee chairman Daniel Gooi said while government hospitals and clinics did not have foreign nurses, private healthcare institutions are allowed to hire them.
“Government hospitals fall under the civil service and we do not open our civil service to foreigners.
“On the other hand, private hospitals can but it must be capped at 40% of the total nursing workforce.
“All these have to go through the Health Ministry,” he added.
Gooi said there was a global shortage of healthcare workers, not just in Malaysia.
In June last year, Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia (APHM) president Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh had said that private hospitals were restricted in their capacity to expand facilities, due to the substantial shortage of nurses among them.
He urged the Health Minister and Prime Minister to conduct a comprehensive study of the consequences of the nursing deficit in the country and the reluctance of school-leavers to pursue a career in nursing.
