Johor bahru: The critical shortage of healthcare personnel in major hospitals across Johor will be the focus of a meeting later today, between Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said that he was informed of the matter following a discussion with Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi last night on several state-related issues.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the meeting aims to address pressing concerns regarding healthcare personnel shortages. Tan Sri Shamsul Azri mentioned that discussions have already taken place with proposed solutions expected to be tabled during today’s meeting. He expressed optimism about finding a viable resolution, stating, ‘Issues concerning healthcare personnel will be discussed today. Insya-Allah, in a meeting between the Johor Menteri Besar and the Health Minister.’

He further elaborated on his conversation with Datuk Onn Hafiz, noting that they had already devised several proposed solutions to be put forward. This follow-up comes after Tan Sri Shamsul Azri’s participation in the AHIBS-ACT 2025 event, organised by the Azman Hashim International Business School (AHIBS) of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).

The urgency of the meeting is underscored by Datuk Onn Hafiz’s recent remarks on the issue. He highlighted situations where nurses were overwhelmed, caring for 10 to 14 patients per shift, a figure that starkly surpasses the recommended nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:6, or at most 1:8. He warned that this alarming situation compromises the morale of healthcare workers and the quality of care provided to patients.