THE Health Ministry (MOH) must create a healthy working environment in public health facilities which is devoid of bullying and discrimination culture, said the Malaysia Health Coalition (MHC).
“A healthy work environment must also promote quality and be conducive for learning and growth,” it added in a statement.
Three days ago, the Penang Health Department announced that a junior doctor “fell” to his death soon after arriving in Penang Hospital on April 4.
“This case is now under investigation by the police who have ordered for a post-mortem to be conducted,” state health director Dr Ma’arof Sudin had reported saying in a statement.
This is the second death involving junior doctors from the same hospital. In December 2020, a junior doctor resigned and died soon after.
Subsequently, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin announced that his ministry had formed a task force to investigate the matter, adding it would also cover the culture of bullying which housemen and junior doctors have alleged.
At the same time, Penang state executive councillor Norlela Ariffin announced that she would convene a Penang Health Committee meeting soon to investigate problems faced by junior doctors.
Expressing condolences to the family of the deceased doctor, MHC reminded Malaysians that health professionals faced tremendous pressure at the height of COVID-19, as they were overloaded with work owing to the fact that public health facilities are understaffed and underfunded.
“If the stress is not managed well, the wellbeing and the work quality healthcare staff will be affected. In turn, that will affect patient care.
“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,” it mentioned.
Stop being bullies, seniors!
In a reminder to senior doctors and officials, MHC said there are better ways to teach, inspire and motivate their juniors without being abusive towards them.
“The seniors must take responsibility to build safe and learning working spaces, and actively address toxic workplace behaviour,” MHC stressed.
It remarked: “Health professionals must also be made aware of the resources available for them to seek support, with all feedback received and investigated without the fear of repercussions.
“A healthy workplace is one where communication goes two ways and the welfare of each member is accorded high priority.” – May 8, 2022
