Ministry of Health proposes new nurse-to-patient ratios for private hospitals

The Ministry of Health has submitted a draft bill titled 'The Private Hospitals (Control of Establishment and Operation) (Amending) Law of 2026' for public consultation. The proposed legislation seeks to adjust the mandatory nurse-to-patient ratios in private medical facilities to address ongoing staffing shortages. Current regulations mandate specific ratios, such as one nurse per five patients during morning shifts in surgical, medical, geriatric, and obstetric/gynecological wards. The new bill proposes increasing these ratios, allowing each nurse to care for a larger number of patients while simultaneously increasing the number of ward assistants. While the ministry intends to provide operational flexibility to hospitals facing pressure, some critics argue this does not provide a definitive solution to the chronic understaffing issue. The proposal remains under public review to gather feedback from social partners. These changes aim to manage current operational gaps within the private healthcare sector.