I was recently suspected of suffering from a rare infection and needed to see a neurologist urgently for an accurate analysis
I had to undergo certain tests, including an MRI and several blood tests.
It was then that I realised a very critical factor – our country needs more medical personnel.
Getting an appointment to see a specialist was not easy as they were either limited or fully booked.
I finally managed to secure and appointment and when I arrived at the private hospital in Petaling Jaya, I realised how many people require medical attention daily.
It then struck me – We have tonnes of politicians but so few medical personnel.
We need more doctors and nurses compared to politicians and that is a fact.
Malaysia is rapidly ageing, officially becoming an "ageing nation" (7% aged 65+) in 2021 and projected to be an "aged nation" (14% aged 65+) by 2048, with significant increases in the 60+ and 65+ populations.
This is driven by lower fertility and higher life expectancy, impacting healthcare, social security, and the economy.
Key figures show the 65+ group was 7.4% in 2023, rising from 7.2% in 2022, with projections hitting 14.5% by 2040, shifting the demographic balance significantly.
With an estimated population of around 34.1 to 34.2 million, Malaysia has approximately 80,000 to 90,000 registered doctors, with about 52,000 in the public sector.
This is working towards a target of 1 doctor per 400 people (2.5 per 1,000) by 2025, though facing specialist shortages, particularly in rural areas, while aiming for higher density in coming years.
Malaysia has over 117,000 registered nurses as of 2022/2023, with figures showing around 115,000 in 2022/2021 and estimates suggesting the need for over 113,000 by 2025, but faces a significant shortage, resulting in a lower nurse-to-population ratio (around 1:280) than the WHO's target (1:225), driven by high demand, private sector growth, and brain drain, with the Ministry of Health employing over 70,000 nurses as of late 2024.
However, in comparison, Malaysia has dozens of registered political parties, with over 60 eligible to contest in general elections.
Do we need such a large number of political parties?
In our current situation, what we need more are medical personnel, including care givers as our nation progresses towards an ageing society.
What is the purpose of quantity above quality in regards to politicians?
Focus should be more on getting our young to prepare for the future needs of the country.
Nurses are a prized asset as they are key to making a person’s hospital stay all the less stressful and painful.
Why pay government HODs high salaries - the ones which are truly deserving are our nurses and hardworking caregivers.
The only complaint I have is the high charges of private medical cost which is something that should be looked into.
The debate over high hospital charges and insurance premiums has not ended and despite the high premiums, it is still a hassle to get your GL in times of dire need.
Sadly, the focus of these insurance companies is on making money rather than on ensuring patient care.
Even after I got my GL, I was later asked to pay RM400 as there were certain things the insurance company did not cover.
As more of us are forced to surrender our policies due to the exorbitant premiums, there is indeed a pressing need for more medical personnel.
This is because more of us will be seeking treatment at government hospitals which need more doctors and nurses.
More than enough people in the country are qualified to become politicians, but that is not the need now.
We need more qualified doctors, nurses and caregivers, not mushrooming politicians. – December 15, 2025
Daniel Firdaus Abdullah
Petaling Jaya
The observations reflect the writer's personal insights and do not necessarily represent the official stance of The Vibes.com.
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