By Zaki Salleh
IPOH: After 21 years in the nursing profession, 45-year-old Mohamad Alwi Faisal Mohamad Khalid has no regrets about his career choice.
Serving at KPJ Ipoh Specialist Hospital, he regards nursing as a noble field offering practical benefits and moral values.
“Nurses are at the frontline in treating patients, providing emotional support, and ultimately saving lives.
“Beyond offering strong job security and high demand, this field also provides education in nursing science and technology at the diploma level,” he said.
Recalling his experiences, Mohamad Alwi shared a particularly poignant memory.
“The most unforgettable experience in my nursing career was removing my father’s urinary catheter just before he passed away from rectal cancer,” he recounted.
Trained at PUSRAWI Nursing College in Kuala Lumpur and KUSZ Nursing College in Terengganu, Mohamad Alwi noted that gender has never been an issue in his profession.
“This field requires male strength, both physically and mentally.
“It also enhances personal development and life skills, aligning with the sincere intention to help patients and serve Allah (God),” he added.
Echoing similar sentiments, 34-year-old Zul Azmi Abdul Rahman, who works in the Operating Theatre at KPJ Ipoh Specialist Hospital, believes that the presence of male nurses helps balance gender representation in a profession traditionally dominated by women.
“This can reduce stereotypes and improve the profession’s image.
“Public acceptance has been very positive. Male nurses are needed in all departments because their presence is crucial in the modern healthcare system,” he said.
Zul Azmi was drawn to the profession after observing various surgical cases and enjoying the dynamic work environment.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has acknowledged the importance of increasing male participation in nursing. As of June 2024, male nurses make up only 4% of the 70,653 nurses employed by MOH.
The ministry aims to raise this figure to 10%, recognising the evolving needs of the nursing sector and the critical role male nurses play in modern healthcare settings.
Efforts are underway to challenge the perception that nursing is exclusively a female profession. Experts emphasise that male nurses bring valuable perspectives and skills to the field, contributing to a more balanced and resilient healthcare system.
As more men like Mohamad Alwi and Zul Azmi enter the nursing profession, they not only provide essential care but also help reshape societal perceptions, demonstrating that compassion and dedication in healthcare transcend gender boundaries.
