KUALA LUMPUR: A government backbencher said the new task force formed by the Health Ministry to investigate the death of a doctor in Lahad Datu, Sabah, could potentially end up in vain as the Healthcare Work Culture Improvement Task Force (HWCITF) in 2022.
Kota Melaka member of parliament Khoo Poay Tiong said bullying and overworking issues in the healthcare system should no longer persist if the report published by the HWCITF was acted upon effectively.
Therefore, he called for transparency in the ministry's investigation into the death of Dr Tay Tien Yaa as the public deserved a comprehensive report on the incident.
"While I appreciate that an internal investigation is already underway, the fact that the independent task force will only begin work on Oct 10 raises concerns about the speed of action.
"The passing of Dr Tay is now a matter of public interest, and the ongoing investigations must be transparent, the public deserves a comprehensive report on what transpired, especially since this tragedy involves a healthcare professional.
"The timing is particularly sensitive, as it comes just two years after the HWCITF report was published," Khoo said in a statement.
He also asked Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad to meet Dr Tay's family to provide them with updates on the investigation.
"This gesture would offer some comfort to the grieving family. At the same time, the public awaits updates on the findings with great anticipation," Khoo said.
On Oct 2, Dr Tay's family claimed she was mistreated, citing unreasonable workload as contributing factors to her death.
Tay's mother, Lim Siang Heyeo, 64, and brother, Tay Yong Shen, 31, alleged that the deceased was forced to work long hours.
At a press conference led by MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong, Dr Tay's mother and brother said they believed that the specialist doctor's mistreatment at work could have contributed to her decision to end her life.
On Friday, Khoo said the ministry's delay in forming a task force to investigate the case had raised concerns about its commitment to healthcare workers' safety.
As a response, Dzulkefly rubbished the claim and said the investigation led by the Sabah State Health Department had begun immediately with an independent panel unaffiliated with the ministry.