Specialised training scheme proposed to ease staffing shortages and improve patient care outcomes
THE Health Ministry has been urged to establish a specialised certification for Dialysis Nurses in a bid to address workforce shortages, reduce staff attrition, and elevate the standard of patient care across the country.
Chairman of the Maaedicare Charitable Foundation, Tunku Datuk Yaacob Khyra, made the call during the foundation’s annual fundraising gala, An Enchanted Evening – A Gala for Giving 2025, held last night.
He proposed a streamlined two-month training scheme to equip general nurses with essential dialysis treatment skills, which could also serve as a stepping stone towards more advanced renal care roles.
“With this certification, I believe dialysis nurses could earn a higher salary than general nurses, in recognition of their specialised role,” he said.
Tunku Yaacob added that the proposed certification would allow Renal Nurses, who typically undergo six months of intensive training, to focus on complex clinical procedures such as those conducted in operating theatres.
Such a tiered approach, he argued, would help optimise resource allocation and reduce the financial losses incurred when fully trained Renal Nurses, whose training is often funded by employers, leave the country for better-paid opportunities abroad — particularly in the Middle East.
“A tiered training structure, distinguishing the roles of Dialysis Nurses and Renal Nurses, would help reduce the financial impact of such staff losses on our healthcare system,” he said.
The event was attended by the Patron of the Maaedicare Charitable Foundation, Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, and Tunku Ampuan Besar Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Aishah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud.
Also present were Her Highness Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz Almarhum Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, Tunku Temenggong Kedah; Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad; and Maaedicare Charitable Foundation Chief Executive Officer Anne Rajasaikaran.
The gala successfully raised RM600,000 in combined cash and in-kind donations. Proceeds will be channelled into enhancing kidney care services at 11 dialysis centres nationwide, upgrading equipment at Maaedicare’s Cardiac Diagnostic Centre, and expanding free health screenings through its two Klinik Amal Percuma community clinics.
Founded in 1994, the Maaedicare Charitable Foundation has subsidised life-saving dialysis treatment for over 32,000 patients. The foundation continues to widen access to affordable cardiac care and basic medical services for vulnerable populations throughout Malaysia. – July 19, 2025