KOTA KINABALU: The Health Ministry should set up a channel for medical personnel being bullied or pressured by their superiors to report the matter anonymously, says Parti Warisan information chief Datuk Azis Jamman.
“A safe reporting system should be in place to create an anonymous reporting channel for them to report any form of bullying or pressure without fear of retaliation,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (Sept 17).
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This follows the incident where a 30-year-old doctor from Hospital Lahad Datu’s Pathology Department was found dead at her rented house on Aug 29.
Her brother alleged that she had been bullied by a superior.
Azis also suggested that the Health Ministry put in place a system to continuously monitor and evaluate the workload and stress faced by medical staff.
“Periodic evaluation should be done to ensure that the work does not burden the staff,” he said.
He said healthcare workers facing workplace stress should also be given psychological support and counselling.
The government could also review or introduce specific laws to protect them from bullying and pressure in the workplace and improve the management of health personnel.
Azis, who extended the party’s condolences to the doctor’s family, hoped the ministry would investigate the matter thoroughly.
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“Her death is not only a great loss to her family and friends, but to all the people of Sabah and the nation’s healthcare sector,” he said.
“I urge the government to conduct a comprehensive investigation into this incident (to) ensure that strict and appropriate measures are taken so that such issues do not recur,” he added.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad has called for a thorough probe of the doctor’s death.
He gave his assurance that he was steadfast in his zero-tolerance approach to workplace bullying.
Those suffering from problems can reach out to: the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999 or WhatsApp 019-261 5999); Jakim’s Family, Social and Community care centre (WhatsApp 0111-959 8214); and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929 or visit www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia for a full list of numbers and operating hours).
