KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 — The Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) suggested today that the government fund a sign-on bonus of RM15,000 for nursing graduates who join public or private hospitals in Malaysia.
APHM said the financial incentive should be funded in Budget 2025 – suggested for distribution over three years – for Malaysian nursing graduates from accredited universities and colleges.
“Such initiatives play a crucial role in motivating skilled individuals to pursue a career in nursing and greatly encourage them to stay and make valuable contributions to the local health care system,” APHM president Dr Kuljit Singh said in a statement.
“This incentive must be designed to encourage dedication to local service; consequently, any funds granted must be reimbursed should individuals decide to exit Malaysia. This strategy guarantees that the advantages are directly aligned with the needs of the local health care environment.
“Moreover, we are confident that the advancement of local nursing talent can be effectively supported through the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF). We recommend that costs associated with this sign-on incentive for private hospitals be eligible for double tax deductions.”
Both public and private hospitals in Malaysia are severely short of nurses. Since the start of the year, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has diverted nearly all nurses – except those in obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G) and paediatrics – from specialist clinics to wards.
APHM announced today that the MOH has approved extending the amnesty for the intake of foreign-trained nurses in private hospitals by another three years until September 30, 2027.
“We acknowledge that this extension of amnesty is specifically related to the current shortage of local nurses in our nation and it will be withdrawn once the local talent is achieved.”
