Excos list seven hospital 'bullies' to MOH

The names of seven alleged perpetrators have been handed over to the Health Ministry over bullying cases at government hospitals.

The names of five doctors were submitted by Penang state health chairperson Norlela Ariffin today, while two were previously sent by the Negeri Sembilan state health exco S Veerapan.

“Since the death is under police investigation (on) what is the cause of death, these five names are given by living house officers and doctors,” said Norlela, referring to the recent death of a house officer attached to the Penang General Hospital.

However, she told Malaysiakini that she was unsure whether the five ‘bullies’ who were flagged were directly involved in that particular case.

“I don’t know whether the houseman who fell were bullied by these five persons,” she told Malaysiakini.

Norlela has been vocal on the treatment of junior doctors and spoke out following the recent death of a house officer - who fell to his death from an office building on May 3.

Malaysiakini did not receive any further response from the Penanti state assemblyperson when asked why she had delivered the ‘bully’ list to the ministry if she was unsure of their involvement in the case.

It is understood that Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has received the lists of alleged ‘bully’ doctors.

On May 6, the Health Ministry announced that it would set up a task force to investigate the death of the junior doctor in Penang and allegations of bullying in the medical fraternity.

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin confirmed this through his social media accounts.

On the matter, Khairy said he had also received a preliminary report on the death of the junior doctor from the head of the deceased’s department.

In a related development, The Vibes reported that the police have recorded statements from the deceased house officer’s father, brother, and girlfriend today.

However, the Penang Northeast District acting OCPD V Saravanan reportedly told the news portal that the police have yet to receive the house officer’s autopsy report. - Mkini