KUALA LUMPUR: Social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye says doctors should have safe reporting channels to report bullying incidents without fear of retaliation.
The Alliance of Safety Community chairman said that bullying incidents often go unreported due to fear of retaliation and distrust in reporting systems. The organisational culture plays a major role in the prevalence of bullying in healthcare. He added that a supportive culture is essential for the well-being of both healthcare providers and patients.
He added that bullying in healthcare settings can lead to job dissatisfaction, increased stress, and burnout among professionals, negatively affecting patient outcomes and overall quality of care .
"The task force should conduct a thorough assessment, including surveys and interviews with healthcare professionals, to understand the frequency and types of bullying.
"It should suggest implementing clear anti-bullying policies and confidential reporting mechanisms that protect those who report incidents, including anonymous options and a defined complaint resolution process," said Lee.
He also suggested establishing training programs for all staff focused on communication, conflict resolution, and empathy. Workshops promoting teamwork can help reduce bullying and improve collaboration.
Lee said hospital leadership should promote respectful behavior and hold individuals accountable for their actions.
"Whistleblower protections should be strengthened to encourage reporting of bullying, creating a safer workplace that enhances patient care and outcomes," he added.
Yesterday, the Health Ministry said that it will identify and investigate hospitals where cases of bullying against doctors have been reported.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said a special task force will begin investigating bullying cases, starting with the death of a pathologist at Lahad Datu Hospital, and will extend the enquiry to other healthcare facilities.