KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s (Tambun-PH) efforts to ensure a sufficient supply of doctors in the public health sector may be in vain if Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa (Sekijang-PH) fails to address the apparent widespread bullying culture in the sector.
DAP’s R.S.N Rayer (Jelutong-PH) said the minister should take proactive steps to tackle this long-standing issue, which was recently brought to light by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) in a survey that disclosed a distressing figure – 253 bullying cases.
“Under Budget 2024, the Health Ministry has been given an allocation of RM41.2 billion. However, I’ve read some worrying news about how doctors are being bullied by other doctors,” Rayer told the Dewan Rakyat when debating the Supply Bill 2024 today.
“This problem, which has been reported multiple times, has caused many doctors to leave the public service sector.
“The prime minister’s pure efforts to make sure that Malaysians have enough doctors to provide treatment will be destroyed if the bullying culture among doctors persists.”
Noting that he sympathises with doctors who are made to carry out their tasks under “pressuring” conditions, Rayer urged the health minister to look into preventive steps, such as providing counselling sessions, to tackle the issue of bullying among doctors.
Yesterday, Zaliha issued a statement acknowledging the findings of MMA’s survey, announcing that the MyHelp portal has been set up to accept reports of bullying cases.
She also said that the Healthcare Work Culture Improvement Task Force (HWCITF), which was formed in May last year, following allegations of bullying in the Penang Hospital, consistently holds engagement sessions with the ministry to ensure the mental wellbeing of public healthcare providers.
“The Health Ministry seriously regards and will not compromise on bullying issues among medical personnel. We remain committed to ensuring that this matter does not happen in any health facilities nationwide.”
MMA’s survey, which was released on Sunday, found that victims are likely to not file a complaint out of fear or repercussions, or a lack of knowledge on how to go about reporting an incident. It was also noted that no actions were taken even after a report was lodged.
According to the survey, a total of 253 cases of bullying were reported, with Sarawak recording the highest number at 15, followed by Selangor (9) and Perak (8). Another 197 cases did not specify their location, while Sabah and Melaka had no confirmed cases of bullying.
The survey began on September 15 and concluded on October 1. – October 18, 2023