Kuala lumpur: The Health Ministry has been urged to introduce a specialised Dialysis Nurse certification to strengthen Malaysia’s nursing workforce and improve the quality of patient care nationwide. Chairman of the Maaedicare Charitable Foundation, Tunku Datuk Yaacob Khyra, said such certification could address the growing shortage of dialysis nurses and help manage rising healthcare costs due to staff turnover.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Yaacob made these remarks during An Enchanted Evening – A Gala for Giving 2025, Maaedicare’s annual fundraiser, held in the city last night. He proposed a streamlined two-month training programme designed to equip nurses with specialised skills in dialysis treatment. ‘With this certification, I believe dialysis nurses could earn a higher salary than general nurses, in recognition of their specialised role,’ he said.
He further explained that the certification would enable Renal Nurses, who undergo six months of advanced training, to focus on more complex clinical tasks, such as operating theatre procedures. This would ensure their expertise is used more effectively. Yaacob also highlighted a concerning trend where many fully trained Renal Nurses, after completing costly, employer-funded training, often leave Malaysia for better 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 graced by distinguished guests, including 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 fundraiser successfully raised RM600,000 in combined cash and in-kind donations. The proceeds will go towards enhancing kidney care at 11 dialysis centres, upgrading diagnostic capabilities at the Cardiac Diagnostic Centre, and expanding free health screenings through its two Klinik Amal Percuma clinics nationwide.
Since its founding in 1994, the Maaedicare Charitable Foundation has subsidised dialysis treatment for over 32,000 patients and continues to expand access to cardiac services and free medical screenings for vulnerable communities.