Health Minister and Johor MB to meet over ‘critical’ shortage of healthcare staff

HEALTH Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad is scheduled to meet Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi this afternoon to address what has been described as a “serious and critical” shortage of healthcare workers in the state.

The meeting was confirmed by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar earlier today, who said he had also raised the matter with Onn Hafiz during discussions at the Menteri Besar and Chief Ministers’ meeting chaired by the prime minister in Putrajaya yesterday.

“We will propose several solutions,” Shamsul said when asked about the growing concern, which was publicly highlighted by Onn Hafiz following his recent spot check at Sultan Ismail Hospital (HSI) in Johor Bahru.

Speaking after the visit, Onn Hafiz said: “The healthcare worker shortage in Johor is serious and critical,” noting that some nurses are currently required to care for up to 14 patients per shift due to staffing constraints.

Shamsul had earlier delivered the keynote address at the launch of the Azman Hashim International Business School 2025 International Action Research Conference. - July 15, 2025