Malaysia Increases Nursing & Medical Staff to Tackle Shortages (2025)
Malaysia Bolsters Nursing and Medical Workforce to Combat Rising Resignations
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Facing a growing strain on its healthcare system, Malaysia is implementing a multi-pronged strategy to increase the number of doctors and nurses, and to retain existing staff. The Ministry of Health (MOH) is actively expanding training programs and offering enhanced incentives, responding to a recent uptick in resignations impacting both urban and rural healthcare facilities.
The move comes after a decade-long pause. In August 2024, a moratorium on new Diploma in Nursing programs, initially implemented in 2010, was lifted, paving the way for 15 private higher education institutions (IPTS) to begin offering the crucial training. This expansion is coupled with a significant increase in enrollment at the MOH’s own training institutes (ILKKM), jumping from 935 trainees in 2023 to 3,343 this year. A total of 6,059 nursing students are currently enrolled across all programs, with phased deployment of graduates expected between 2026 and 2028.
Addressing Immediate Staffing Shortages
Beyond expanding the pipeline of future healthcare professionals, the MOH is taking immediate steps to address current shortages. This year, 4,518 contract medical officers have been offered permanent positions, and 3,254 nurses have received similar appointments. The ministry plans to continue this trend, aiming to offer permanent roles to 4,500 contract medical officers and 935 nursing graduates from ILKKM in 2026.
These efforts are a direct response to concerns raised by Senator Abdul Nasir Idris regarding the impact of increasing resignation rates on district hospitals and rural clinics. Data analyzed by the MOH reveals an average resignation rate of 0.84% for medical officers and 0.66% for nurses between 2022 and 2024 – figures that, while seemingly small, translate to a significant loss of experienced personnel in a system already under pressure. Globally, nurse shortages are a growing concern. The World Health Organization estimates a projected shortfall of 10 million nurses worldwide by 2030, particularly impacting low- and middle-income countries.
Incentivizing Retention and Rural Service
Recognizing that recruitment alone isn’t enough, the MOH is bolstering its retention strategies. A comprehensive package of incentives is being rolled out, including the Pre-Gazette Specialist Incentive Payment, a 15% salary increase under the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), and a substantial 40% increase in the On Call Duty Allowance. These financial boosts aim to improve the overall compensation package for healthcare workers.
However, the MOH is also keenly aware of the challenges faced by those serving in rural and remote areas. To attract and retain personnel in these underserved communities, the government offers a range of location-specific incentives. These include the Location and Difficulty Allowance (BIMLTK), ranging from RM500 to RM1,500 per month, the Interior Incentive Payment (RM135-RM165/month), and allowances for home or inter-state travel. These incentives are crucial, as research consistently demonstrates a correlation between geographic isolation and burnout among healthcare professionals. For more information on healthcare access in Malaysia, see this article on Worldys.news.
The Broader Context of Healthcare Workforce Challenges
The situation in Malaysia reflects a global trend of increasing pressure on healthcare systems. Factors contributing to this include aging populations, rising rates of chronic diseases, and the psychological toll of working in high-stress environments – particularly exacerbated by events like the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), healthcare workers experienced significantly higher rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout during the pandemic, leading to increased turnover.
“Investing in the healthcare workforce is not simply a matter of numbers; it’s about ensuring the well-being of those who dedicate their lives to caring for others,” stated Deputy Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni. “These initiatives are designed to create a sustainable and supportive environment for our medical officers and nurses, allowing them to provide the best possible care to the Malaysian people.”
The success of these initiatives will be closely monitored, with ongoing evaluation of their impact on recruitment, retention, and ultimately, the quality of healthcare services available throughout Malaysia. The MOH acknowledges that a sustained commitment to workforce development and support is essential to navigate the evolving challenges facing the healthcare sector.