The performance of government hospital directors nationwide will soon be assessed not only by their superiors, but also by their peers and those serving under their command, said Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

During an interview on Wednesday, he told the media that the Health Ministry is widening the use of its performance evaluation called the 360-Degree Assessment System.

"The Health Ministry will extend the implementation of our 360-Degree Assessment System, which is now only used on the top management, to all hospital directors.

"They (hospital directors) are only being assessed by their superiors. But after this, they will also be evaluated by their peers and the officers under their supervision," he said.

The interview was held in conjunction with Khairy's first anniversary helming the ministry.

The Health Ministry also plans to widen the system's use gradually until it covers all levels.

"After this, maybe we will use this system for the heads of department and specialists. And we might widen the system until it reaches all levels," he added.

Safe way to report

Khairy also announced that his ministry has set up a new complaint mechanism that will allow its doctors and all other personnel to safely report their grievances, a move aimed at addressing bullying cases and toxic work culture.

The online complaint system called MyHelp will be available next month.

"Before this, there was no clear mechanism for junior medical officers to lodge their complaints. They had to go through the normal chain of reporting (to air their grievances).

"However, starting Oct 1, these officers will be able to use a specific complaint mechanism called MyHelp, which will make it easier for them to lodge reports against bullying incidents or any complaints regarding disciplinary issues, or anything that has to do with the toxic work culture.

"Through the use of this system, we will be able to take immediate action in a more transparent manner while at the same time protect the identity of those who lodge reports," he said.

Bullying and toxic work culture had been one of the polemics faced by MOH, especially among its doctors, and believed to be the driving factor behind several reported suicides involving junior medical officers.

One recent case in Penang earlier this year prompted the ministry to launch an investigation into alleged bullying at the Penang General Hospital.

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