Health Ministry: Probe on house officer's death ongoing
In a statement, Penang health director Dr Ma'arof Sudin said an autopsy had been performed, and test results are pending...
The Health Ministry has urged the public to give the police time to investigate the death of a house officer who was attached to the Penang General Hospital.
In a statement, Penang health director Dr Ma'arof Sudin said an autopsy had been performed, and test results are pending.
Once the autopsy report is completed, it will be handled by the police.
"In view that the matter is still being investigated by the police and (to) respect the family of the deceased, the Penang Health Department seeks everyone's cooperation in not speculating or spreading false information about the incident.
"Our department and the Penang General Hospital will provide our full cooperation with the police," said Ma'arof.
He added that the deceased had reported for work on April 4 and was found dead on April 17 after apparently falling from his apartment building. The matter only came to light after it was reported by The Vibes yesterday.
The incident has caused some outcry among politicians who have urged the Health Ministry to take better care of their junior doctors.
Penanti assemblyperson Norlela Ariffin this morning described the house officers' working conditions as "inhumane".
Fellow Penang lawmaker P Ramasamy alleged that house officers are often subjected to bullying by their seniors.
'Take matter seriously'
Meanwhile, Bandar Kuching MP Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen urged the Health Ministry to look into allegations of tough and toxic working conditions for young doctors and ensure the necessary emotional and psychological support.
He said the matter should not be treated as an isolated case and should be taken seriously.
"Ministry of Health must provide a clear explanation and conduct a transparent investigation into the matter to ensure any toxic practices against any of our healthcare workers are curbed. This cannot be dismissed as a ‘common practice or culture’ and just be swept under the carpet.
"I call upon the government and the Health Ministry to implement a strict zero horizontal violence policy in all workplaces to curb any toxic environment and even violence among all healthcare workers.
"This of course includes psychological violence, verbal violence and physical violence during interpersonal conflicts or conflicts among colleagues," he said.
Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Koh Kar Chai said while authorities investigate the matter, the doctor’s family's privacy should be respected and the incident should not be sensationalised.
He added that healthcare professionals who are experiencing personal issues can reach out to the MMA's HelpDoc - a support group for doctors.
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