The Star Malaysia

Rm13mil to train 150 nurses

Sponsorshi­p aims to draw school-leavers to the profession

- By CS NATHAN metro@thestar.com.my

nurses are the backbone of healthcare systems and play a key role in advancing medical care.

To encourage sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) school-leavers to join the profession, the negri sembilan Chinese Maternity Associatio­n (NSCMA) unveiled a rm13mil sponsorshi­p programme.

The associatio­n, which owns seremban’s CMH specialist Hospital and CMH Dialysis Care, aims to sponsor 50 nursing students annually to pursue a three-year diploma in nursing.

NSCMA president Datuk seri Lee Tian Hock unveiled the sponsorshi­p programme at a celebrator­y dinner to mark Internatio­nal nurses Day.

Lee said nursing was a calling that required compassion, expertise and dedication.

nurses at nscma’s medical centres had met challenges head-on, helping to navigate trying times, he noted.

“The success and achievemen­ts of CMH specialist Hospital and CMH Dialysis Care would not have been possible without the invaluable support and expertise of our dedicated team of 246 nurses.

“In response to the global nursing shortage and to prepare for our hospital’s expansion plan, I am delighted to announce our initiative to sponsor the diploma in nursing programme for SPM school-leavers,” he said at the event in Bandar sri sendayan, seremban.

expressing hope that the initiative would produce 150 nursing graduates by 2028, Lee said 42 students had already been recruited into the pilot programme.

The sponsorshi­p includes guaranteed employment for five years, monthly allowance, medical benefits, free hostel accommodat­ion, and uniform.

“Our goal is to recruit 50 students annually, aiming to reach 150 students by 2028 – the target date for the opening of the new hospital block,” he said.

Lee added that the rm13mil investment reflected nscma’s commitment to nurturing a diverse pool of skilled profession­als to meet the growing needs of the hospital’s patients.

The expansion of CMH specialist Hospital involving the constructi­on of a 10-storey block is expected to increase the number of beds from 66 to 150.

At the dinner, nurses had the opportunit­y to let their hair down and also treated guests to dance and music performanc­es.

CMH specialist Hospital chief nursing officer norshafini Othman said the celebratio­n was beneficial to boost staff morale.

“It’s nice to be appreciate­d, as nursing is a tough job that involves a lot of multi-tasking.

“Motivated nurses translate into better quality patient care,” she said.

The event culminated in a cake-cutting ceremony and presentati­on of certificat­es to nurses who recently completed specialisa­tion and skills-based courses.

Also present were NSCMA vice-president Datuk Tan suan Ching and executive advisor Datuk Hon Choon Kim, CMH specialist Hospital chief executive officer Henderic Koo and medical director Dr Mahadevan Tata, CMH specialist Hospital chief operating officer and CMH Dialysis Care chief executive officer Cheah Ming Wei and CMH Dialysis Care chief operating officer Kartigayan Arumugam.

Those interested in pursuing the nursing diploma can email career@cmhspecial­ist.my

 ?? ?? Lee (third from left) announcing the nursing diploma sponsorshi­p programme. From left are dr Mahadevan, Koo, hon, Tan, Norshafini, Cheah and Kartigayan.
Lee (third from left) announcing the nursing diploma sponsorshi­p programme. From left are dr Mahadevan, Koo, hon, Tan, Norshafini, Cheah and Kartigayan.

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