Ipoh Timor MP Howard Lee has raised concerns over healthcare workers going on a potential unannounced strike.
The former DAP Youth chief said he learnt of the possible strike from over a dozen contract and full-time government doctors across the country, including from the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital in Ipoh, Perak.
“I am not against industrial action but I’m against unannounced industrial actions by critical sectors.
“These are from individuals I have spoken to who said they have heard of or committed to such an industrial action which includes a strike,” Lee told Malaysiakini.
He said the individual doctors are independent of any movement but they shared similar frustrations about the pressure faced by the healthcare sector.
Lee has arranged to meet with Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa tonight to convey the doctors’ concerns and offer possible solutions.
He said their concerns include overcrowding at emergency departments and an inadequate budget for upgrades.
“My main message will be on the high likelihood of there being an unannounced strike. The rumours are going strong on the ground.
“I agree with the right to strike but definitely not an unannounced one.
“If there’s going be a strike, announce a date. Otherwise, the strike will have no meaning because industrial action is supposed to provide leverage for the strikers to press for reform,” he added.
Hartal Doktor Kontrak not involved
The last major healthcare workers’ strike took place in July 2021, led by the Hartal Doktor Kontrak movement.
A Hartal Doktor Kontrak spokesperson said they have no immediate plans to mobilise another mass strike.
“Even if Hartal Doktor Kontrak decides to strike, it will be announced way earlier to prevent unnecessary disruptions to the healthcare services,” the spokesperson told Malaysiakini.
“For now, I’m not sure if there are other organisations or individuals planning to strike. I’m not aware of it,” he added.
Meanwhile, Lee said his interest in this topic stemmed from his constituents, many of whom are old, live in poverty, and rely on the public healthcare system.
He pointed out that he also talked with many doctors and nurses when he was involved in drafting Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto for the 15th general election.
Such engagements have escalated in recent months since Harapan formed the federal government, he added.
“I will lend my support to the government as a bridge.
“My priority is of course Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital, its doctors, and my constituents. But the issue is a national issue.”
Cannot blame healthcare workers
Aside from drafting a White Paper on Covid-19 vaccine procurement, Lee said the Health Ministry should also table a separate Health White Paper based on an audit of the entire sector.
He also posted on Twitter, saying healthcare practitioners who support the strike risk being condemned for allegedly putting patients at risk for their personal benefit.
“Truthfully, ethically and morally I cannot support an unannounced strike of HCW (healthcare workers), not the magnitude and depth of the one I am hearing.
“But until we stop asking HCWs to be treated badly in order to treat others, we cannot blame them. Even angels fall when pushed over the edge,” he tweeted.
Previously, Zaliha said the Health Ministry will listen and work on identifying solutions to issues in the emergency departments of hospitals. - Mkini
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