KUALA LUMPUR: The Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) has proposed a significant financial incentive for new nursing graduates to address the ongoing shortage of nurses in the country.
In a statement today, association president Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh suggested that the government offer a sign-on bonus of RM15,000 to nursing graduates who pledge to serve in Malaysian public or private hospitals.
The proposed bonus, which could be distributed over three years, is aimed at encouraging skilled individuals to pursue a career in nursing and to incentivise them to remain in the country.
"This initiative comes as part of a broader effort to strengthen the nation's healthcare system and ensure the sustainability of private healthcare services.
"We believe that this sign-on bonus will play a crucial role in motivating young people to consider nursing as a rewarding profession," he said.
He said by providing this financial incentive, APHM hopes more talented and passionate individuals will be attracted to the nursing field and address the current nurses shortage.
"The proposal also includes a provision that requires recipients of the bonus to reimburse the funds if they leave the country. This measure is intended to ensure that the incentive is used to support the local healthcare system and not as a means to attract foreign nurses," he added.
In addition to the sign-on bonus, APHM also called on the government to streamline the recruitment processes for foreign nurses.
"The extension of the amnesty period for the intake of foreign nurses, which was recently announced, is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to facilitate the entry of qualified nurses into the country.
"We are committed to developing a strong and sustainable nursing workforce in Malaysia," Dr Kuljit said.
He also thanked the health director-general Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan for the extension of the amnesty for foreign nurses until 2027.
"We believe that these initiatives, combined with the government's ongoing efforts to promote nursing as a career, will help to address the challenges facing our healthcare system."