Melaka to help private healthcare facilities in hiring foreign trained nurses

The state government of Melaka is prepared to assist private healthcare facilities in recruiting foreign trained nurses in order to enhance the quality of services in the private healthcare sector and boost the health tourism industry in the state. Ngwe Hee Sem, the chairman of the State Health, Human Resources and Unity Committee, highlighted the importance of adhering to the conditions set by the Health Ministry and ensuring that the nurses possess recognized qualifications. He stated that no feedback or requests have been received from private clinics or hospitals in the state thus far, but added that the government would provide assistance if necessary.

According to a media report published on September 18, private health facilities will be permitted to hire foreign trained nurses starting from October 1. However, this is subject to certain conditions, including passing the Malaysian Nursing Board Qualification Examination for Foreign Trained Nurses and limiting the number of foreign nurses to 40% of the total number of nurses in each private health facility.

Dr Rusdi Abd Rahman, the state health director, highlighted the low awareness among the people of Melaka regarding the government’s initiatives for free early health screening services. He cited the low utilization of the Skim Peduli Kesihatan for the B40 group (PeKa B40), which offers free screenings for non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and obesity. The scheme was introduced earlier this year and has been utilized by fewer than 5,000 individuals, falling significantly short of the target of 30,000 people. He emphasized that the PeKa B40 scheme is available at both MOH clinics and selected private clinics.

In conclusion, the state government of Melaka is willing to provide support to private healthcare facilities in recruiting foreign trained nurses, as long as the necessary conditions are met. Additionally, private health facilities will soon have the opportunity to employ foreign trained nurses, with a limit of 40% of the total number of nurses. Despite various initiatives by the government, the awareness among the people of Melaka regarding free early health screenings remains low, as demonstrated by the low utilization of the PeKa B40 scheme.