HEALTHCARE workers should be allowed to speak their minds through proper channels, including on matters concerning their rights, welfare and also patient safety, said the Malaysian Health Coalition (MHC).
In a statement, MHC expressed its disappointment with the reports that the police are investigating healthcare workers who participated in the Code Black and Black Monday campaigns.
“We are in solidarity with healthcare workers who are under investigation and believe in freedom of expression, as enshrined under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution,” MHC stressed.
The coalition added that throughout the campaign, frontliners have selflessly performed their duty to their patients without any public disruption, violence or threats.
Last month, contract medical officers (MO) have decried the Government’s lack of response towards their plight by not offering them permanent posts despite some having served since 2016.
They then resorted to conduct online protest against the Government, by switching their profiles on social media into black and wearing black outfit for work on protest days.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba had promised to find a solution to their plight but have not provided any feedback to date.
There are roughly more than 20,000 MOs in the country and their cause received support from the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), Malaysian Pharmacists Society, MHC and senior doctors too.
Separately, MHC urged political leaders and senior civil servants to treat frontliners with compassion and respect like any other staffers around.
It added that those in position of authority should do all they can to deal with the MO’s concerns, without prejudice.
“Warnings and gag orders can be counter-productive, especially if the official channels are not working.
“These official channels must be responsive efficiently to manage the issues at hand,” MHC pointed out. – July 18, 2021
