KUALA LUMPUR: Private hospitals in Malaysia invest between RM40 million and RM60 million in nursing scholarships, especially for the B40 and M40 income groups, to foster human capital development in the country.
Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) president Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh said however, while nursing graduates were typically bound to serve in the sponsoring private hospitals, many of them seek opportunities overseas or work in government healthcare facilities after serving their bond.
"Such migration of talent, although understandable, poses challenges for our healthcare system that requires ongoing attention and resource allocation.
"It is worth noting that the figure of RM40 million to RM60 million may be a conservative estimate, as it is derived from a survey conducted by APHM involving only some of the 157 private hospitals in Malaysia.
"The true extent of our investment in this crucial sector may be even higher," he said in a statement today.
Dr Kuljit said the economic impact of these investments went beyond immediate healthcare services, including creating job opportunities and contributing to the overall growth of the nation's economy.
"Unfortunately, this positive impact is often overlooked in discussions that tend to focus on the misconceptions surrounding the costs associated with private healthcare services.
"To foster a more comprehensive understanding of our contributions, we encourage all stakeholders in the healthcare sector, including the government and related agencies, to recognize and support our efforts."
The APHM Fact book which would be released soon, he said, would provide further information into the contributions of private hospitals and the vital role they play in the Malaysian healthcare landscape.
Dr Kuljit also urged the government to enhance additional incentives for Malaysians to pursue careers in health-related fields, particularly in nursing.
"By doing so, we can encourage greater commitment from our youth to serve their community and reduce the potential outflow of local talent abroad," he added.