KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry must implement reforms, including establishing a transparent, independent and accessible reporting system for all healthcare workers to address the issue of workplace bullying, said the Hartal Doktor Kontrak (HDK) movement.
In a statement today, they said there must be concrete steps to enforce anti-bullying policies and hold those responsible for workplace harassment accountable, regardless of their position within the hierarchy.
"In addition to policy reforms, there must be a stronger focus on the mental health of healthcare workers.
"Accessible mental health support services should be made available to all healthcare professionals, particularly those working in high-stress or remote environments."
HDK said this following reports of a specialist at Lahad Datu Hospital, who was found dead in her house last month.
They said the doctor's death served as a "painful reminder" of the urgent need for reforms to address chronic understaffing and overburdening, which they said exacerbated stress and mental health concerns.
"Despite the findings released by the Health Ministry taskforce on workplace bullying, the tragic circumstances surrounding the doctor's death highlight the need for further, more decisive action to address this critical issue within Malaysia's healthcare system.
"The time for action is now. We urge the Health Ministry to swiftly implement the necessary changes to protect healthcare workers from further harm and ensure that no life is lost to workplace bullying again," they added.
Earlier today, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said he wanted a thorough investigation into the case.
In a post on X, he stressed that he had zero tolerance for any form of workplace bullying and that all staff at the ministry deserved a safe and just working environment.
"The death of the specialist doctor must be further investigated. I have had zero tolerance towards bullying since 2018 and shall remain steadfast on this policy."
It was reported yesterday that a specialist doctor stationed in Lahad Datu Hospital, Sabah, was found dead in her house on Aug 29.
A man, who claims to be her family member, said his sister had reported for duty in February this year, and became the head of a unit at the hospital.
In a Facebook post, he said the hospital had contacted his family to inform them that his sister had died, believed to be due to suicide, at her rented home.