Johor’s nurse shortage is at a worrying level, requiring 1,700 nurses for existing and new hospitals, with a task force established to address the issue
ISKANDAR PUTERI: The shortage of nurses in Johor’s government healthcare system has reached a worrying level, according to state Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon.
He stated that Johor requires approximately 1,700 nurses for its existing healthcare facilities and new projects.
“The nursing category is at a worrying level for the full operation of Pasir Gudang Hospital, as well as several other facilities,” he said after the fourth State Legislative Assembly sitting in Kota Iskandar.
Ling emphasised that nurse recruitment is a lengthy process requiring proper training and Nursing Board of Malaysia examinations.
A joint task force between the Johor government and Ministry of Health has been established to address various healthcare issues.
This task force will discuss facility upgrades, new hospital operations, state healthcare projects, and human resource shortages.
“Under this task force, we have provided detailed data to assist the ministry in determining the best method to increase nurses sent to Johor,” he added.
Between January and August this year, 64 nurses resigned from their positions for various reasons.
Ling expressed gratitude to nurses continuing to serve in the public healthcare system.
He emphasised the state government’s ongoing evaluation of methods to improve nurse welfare.
As of last month, Johor’s health sector had 29,731 positions with 4,648 vacancies.
Of these vacancies, 2,547 positions were filled through contract officer appointments. – Bernama
