Nursing shortage projected at close to 60% by 2030, says Dr Dzulkefly

KUALA LUMPUR: A shortage of nurses in the nursing field is projected at close to 60% by 2030, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

To address the issue, he said collaboration between the public and private sectors can help improve the shortfall of nursing staff needed to meet the country's healthcare demands.

"I fully support the initiative from the private sector so that together, we can develop not only health facilities but also human resources.

"We can build hospitals using bricks and mortar, but what is important is the staff. Not only doctors and specialists but equally important are nurses. We are experiencing an acute shortage of nurses," he said in a press conference on Thursday (May 2) at the launch of KL International Hospital Sdn Bhd's 624-bed hospital at the KL Wellness City Gallery.

At the event, he witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement for a nursing scholarship between KL Wellness City and six colleges and universities, which will provide RM25mil worth of sponsorship for nursing education in Malaysia.

The institutions involved are MAIWP International University College (UCMI), International Medical College (IMC), International Medical University (IMU), Adventist College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Lincoln University College (LUC) and Oriental Nilam College. – Bernama