Nurses to have minimum degree qualification

The Ministry of Health is aiming to boost nurses' qualifications from diploma-level to degree.

According to the Minister of Health, Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam, 89,000 nurses in Malaysia's public healthcare sector have diplomas, while only 652 have degree qualifications in nursing.

"To increase the qualification of our nurses, multiple efforts are being made to uphold the nursing profession,especially in terms of their achievements, knowledge and career paths," Dr Subramaniam said.

The current ratio of nurses to Malaysia's population stood at one nurse for every 297 people, whereas the recommended ratio by World Health Organisation (WHO) is 1:200.

- NST