Buck stops at the top, says Dzulkefly on junior doctors’ plight

 

Former health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad says there is a ‘culture of fear’ in the public healthcare system.

PETALING JAYA: The health ministry’s top officials should be held accountable on the recent reports of bullying and sexual harassment experienced by housemen and trainee doctors, says former health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad.

He said young doctors were not getting the protection they need and called for more urgent steps to address the allegations that highlight the “worryingly toxic working conditions” in the public healthcare system.

The Kuala Selangor MP also argued that there was a “culture of fear” in the public healthcare system.

He added that the ministry’s top brass, which he claimed had repeatedly reprimanded officers for speaking out and raising concerns, was partially to blame.

” … The buck stops at those highest in office: the minister, the director-general, the state directors and the head of departments,” he said in a statement.

“Many tend to remain silent even when it’s occurring blatantly. It often starts from the top; the solution will also come from the top.

“Those at the top need to take a hard look at how they have contributed to the toxic work conditions and work to address these issues.”

However, Dzulkefly stressed that the problem was not one-sided, pointing out that senior doctors had been known to face challenges from “some problematic HOs”.

Dzulkefly was speaking on the death of a Penang Hospital houseman last month, who fell from his apartment just three weeks after being posted to the hospital.

The death sparked calls for the government to address the poor working conditions of junior doctors, who have alleged that they are overworked and bullied.

Health minister Khairy Jamaluddin has promised that an independent task force will investigate the houseman’s death and the allegations of bullying.

Calling for a zero-tolerance policy on workplace bullying, harassment and intimidation, Dzulkefly said the grievances and complaints of junior staff must be addressed promptly and in a sensitive manner.

“Many health ministry staff are working in fear. Those in senior positions may not agree or like to hear this, but it’s the hard truth. Period. Testimonies by those who have retired are sufficient evidence,” he said.

“Rather than dismissing the ongoing criticisms and reports, now is the time for the health ministry to take action.” - FMT