PUTRAJAYA: After successfully resolving the issue of contract doctors, the Health Ministry will now focus on matters affecting nurses, says Khairy Jamaluddin.

       “I believe it is not fair that as the Health Minister, I do not work towards helping our nurses achieve what they aspire.

       “I will ensure the people will not forget the struggles and sacrifices made by workers in the health sector.

       “Which is why I will present a white paper to the Parliament. This paper will guarantee the national healthcare system gets the best investment in years to come,” he said at the International Nurses Day celebration yesterday.

       In January, some issues involving contract doctors had been resolved, including allowing them to pursue specialist training under the Hadiah Latihan Persekutuan (HLP) sponsorship.

       Khairy said shortage of nurses would be addressed so that the best health services could be provided to the people.

       “I will do my best to help nurses, just as what had been done for contract doctors,” he said.

       The minister said there was a shortage of nurses but did not reveal the actual number needed by the healthcare system.

       Khairy, however, assured that he would look into problems affecting nurses, including 3,469 contract nurses.

       He said he would also look into concerns involving 2,997 nurses with degrees but hold support grade and the 1,030 community nurses who have yet to be appointed to Grade 29.