Kuala Lumpur:The Ministry of Health is accelerating the recruitment of nurses and enhancing retention efforts by improving welfare support and career advancement opportunities, aiming to address the migration of nurses overseas.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad announced measures such as salary adjustments under the Public Service Remuneration System and increased incentives and allowances for eligible staff, including a rise in the Post-Basic Incentive from RM100 to RM200 monthly.

The minister emphasized that the MOH prioritizes keeping public nursing services competitive while ensuring nurses' welfare. He revealed these initiatives during the launch of the National Liver Health Initiative Roadmap 2026-2030 at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

Additional efforts include maintaining a 42-hour working week for nurses on shift duty, expanding training and promotion opportunities, and providing greater placement flexibility through a mutual exchange system. This system has notably benefited nurses, with recruitment efforts being expedited to fill existing vacancies.

Dr. Dzulkefly also stated that the MOH has ceased recruiting nurses on a contract basis, with all new hires receiving permanent appointments. Moreover, the ministry is collaborating with the Ministry of Finance to hasten the transition of contract pharmacists into permanent roles. Currently, 3,545 contract pharmacists are serving in the MOH, with another 115 on the reserve list or awaiting permanent appointments. The minister expressed hope for a swift appointment process into permanent service.