Health Coalition urges MOH to address bullying, discrimination

 

In the aftermath of the death of a junior doctor in Penang, the Malaysian Health Coalition (MHC) has reminded the Health Ministry of its duty to create a healthy working environment in public hospitals and clinics.

“We would like to remind all Malaysians that our health professionals are experiencing tremendous stress during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

“These stresses are added to the existing stresses of an overloaded, under-staffed and under-funded public healthcare system, even before Covid-19.

“If these stresses are not managed well, the wellbeing and the work quality of healthcare staff will be affected. In turn, that will affect patient care. 

“Therefore, we urge the Health Ministry to take strong steps to create a healthy working environment in public hospitals and clinics. We need a positive work culture that encourages quality, learning and growth, and is anti-bullying and anti-discrimination,” said the MHC in a statement today.

A healthy teaching, learning environment

The MHC describes itself as an apolitical coalition of Malaysian health professional societies, health professionals and citizens dedicated to improving the health of Malaysians and strengthening the Malaysian health system.

“While we understand that junior health professionals must work longer-than-average hours to learn skills and competence, we urge a balance that protects their wellbeing and mental health. 

“For seniors, there are ways to teach, inspire and motivate juniors without being abusive. For senior leaders, they must take responsibility to build safe and learning working spaces, and actively address toxic workplace behaviour,” said the MHC.

It said that health professionals must be made aware of the resources available for them to seek support and all feedback must be received and investigated without the fear of repercussions.

The MHC welcomed the formation of a task force to investigate the death of the doctor as announced by Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, who said on Friday that he had received a preliminary report on the death of the junior doctor from the deceased’s head of department.

The deceased had apparently plunged from the 23rd floor of an apartment, which led to several news reports speculating that the incident may be linked to the bullying of junior doctors.

For now, the police have classified the case as “sudden death” and a full medical report has yet to be prepared. - Mkini