Health ministry to probe claim of sexual harassment at public hospitals

 

The health ministry is calling on its staff to report misconduct formally through established channels. (File pic)

PETALING JAYA: The health ministry has said it will address allegations of sexual harassment by specialist doctors at public hospitals and clinics by forming an independent committee to investigate such issues transparently.

The ministry is also calling on its staff to report misconduct formally through established channels like the public complaints management system, known as SISPAA.

This comes as a detailed message outlining alleged sexual misconduct by specialists at various hospitals has been circulating on social media.

Accusations were levelled at healthcare specialists in Kedah, Negeri Sembilan, and Penang of inappropriate behaviour towards nurses, trainee doctors, and clerical staff.

However, the message singled out the Perak health department for its positive response to sexual abuse cases, adding that other state health departments could learn from Perak’s transparency.

“The ministry takes these claims seriously. We adhere to a strict no-compromise and zero tolerance of bullying, sexual harassment or any other conduct that can affect our service to the public and mar the reputation of the ministry,” a ministry response to FMT said. - FMT