MMA president Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira said such improvements include better remuneration, working hours, and career development opportunities.

“These improvements will not only attract new student nurses but also retain talent in the profession,” he said in a statement today.

Kalwinder said long-serving nurses could be recognised with attractive and meaningful incentives.

On Feb 3, health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad verified a circular that was making its rounds on social media which stated that the admission requirements for the diploma in nursing programme for SPM graduates have been lowered from five credits to three to tackle the shortage of nurses.

The relaxed entry requirements will only apply to students in the 2025 and 2026 intakes.

Kalwinder said the government should also explore ways to increase the intake of students at public nursing schools to sustainably address the shortage while maintaining the quality of nursing education.

“Similar to intakes for local medical schools, fewer nurses are being produced because of a drop or inadequate enrolment at nursing schools. This shortage will eventually have an effect both on the public and private healthcare sectors,” he said.

He said students are choosing new, emerging professions, including those in the digital technology sector, and this affects the intake for healthcare courses.

“As such, when competing for talent, especially for courses in the healthcare sector, the service conditions, remuneration and career progression in the field are key determining factors which should be looked into and improved,” he said.