Assisting Private Healthcare: Foreign-Trained Nurses in Melaka

Boosting Local Healthcare

In a bid to boost the local healthcare sector and assist private healthcare facilities, Melaka has announced plans to help them hire foreign-trained nurses. The move is aimed at addressing the shortage of nursing staff in the country while also ensuring that Malaysians have access to quality healthcare services.

Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali said the state was working to bring in nursing graduates from countries like Indonesia, India and the Philippines, that have a surplus of trained healthcare professionals. He expressed optimism that this move would help improve the state’s healthcare sector.

Nursing Shortage in Malaysia

The shortage of nursing staff in Malaysia, particularly in private healthcare facilities, is a persistent issue that has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Healthcare facilities across the country have been stretched to their limits, and the lack of adequate nursing staff has further strained the system. The government has been actively exploring ways to address this issue and the decision to hire foreign-trained nurses is part of these efforts.

Foreign-trained nurses are seen as an untapped resource that could help address the country’s nursing shortage. Not only do they bring with them their skills and expertise, but they also contribute to the diversity of the healthcare workforce, which can have positive effects on patient care.

Changes in Policy

Bringing in foreign-trained nurses requires adjustments to existing policies. These policies include those related to hiring and immigration, as well as to the recognition and accreditation of foreign nursing qualifications.

Melaka’s government is closely working with the Malaysian Nursing Board to ensure that the process for hiring foreign-trained nurses is streamlined and that their qualifications are recognized in Malaysia. They are also working together to ensure that these nurses receive adequate orientation and support to help them adapt to the working conditions in Malaysia.

Support from the Private Sector

The move to bring in foreign-trained nurses has received support from private healthcare facilities in Melaka. They have welcomed the move, noting that it would not only help address the shortage of nursing staff but also boost the capacity of these facilities to provide quality healthcare.

Moreover, hiring foreign-trained nurses could potentially introduce new skills and perspectives into the healthcare sector. This could lead to the improvement of healthcare service delivery, as these nurses bring with them different sets of experiences and knowledge.

Conclusion

The decision of Melaka to assist private healthcare facilities in hiring foreign-trained nurses is a significant move in addressing Malaysia’s nursing shortage. It reflects a recognition of the potential of foreign-trained nurses to contribute positively to the country’s healthcare sector. This move, while requiring adjustments in policy, holds promise in enhancing the capacity of Malaysia’s healthcare system to deliver quality services.

The support from private healthcare facilities for the decision shows that the sector is ready to embrace the diversity and skills that foreign-trained nurses bring. This move sets a precedent that could potentially influence future policies related to the hiring of foreign-trained healthcare professionals in Malaysia and elsewhere.

Original Article: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/09/23/melaka-to-help-private-healthcare-facilities-in-hiring-foreign-trained-nurses