Nursing profession praised, nation’s healthcare system ranked third best
KUCHING: The nursing profession received a pat on the back for helping make the country’s healthcare system one of the best in the world.
Political secretary to the Minister of Human Resources Major (r) Datuk Peter Runin said Malaysians should take pride in the country’s healthcare system which was highly rated by American publication, International Living.
Based on the study undertaken by the publication, Malaysia was rated third best out of 24 countries, beating Spain, Italy, Ireland and New Zealand, and losing only to France and Uruguay.
“Because of Malaysia’s high standard of healthcare, Malaysian nurses are in high demand overseas, especially in the Arab world. About 10,000 Malaysian nurses are working in countries like Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.
“More are expected to follow suit in the future following the recent visit of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Abdulaziz Al-Saud, during which a memorandum of understanding on labour and human resources was signed. It should strengthen the marketability of Malaysian nurses,” he said.
Peter was representing Human Resources Minister and Serian MP Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem in officiating at the Majlis Makan Malam Harmoni at a hotel here on Friday. It was organised by Serian District Hospital.
He said Serian District Hospital has a long list of awards for its beautiful landscape, conducive working environment and smiling staff and nurses.
“Malaysia’s healthcare system did not get to be among the best in the world without the things people like you did in hospital wards, flower gardens outside, and the way you win the hearts of patients,” Peter said.
“The minister (Riot) has asked me to announce a grant of RM30,000 for improvements to Serian Hospital in the hope that your patients will find the wards and you important components of the healthcare system,” Peter said.
About 300 staff, nurses, doctors and members of the board of visitors of Serian Hospital attended the dinner.