GERIK: An internal investigation into a workplace incident has concluded that the complaint was valid, with the Gerik Hospital director issuing a formal reprimand to the officer involved.
Perak Health Department (JKN) director Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha, in a statement issued yesterday, confirmed that the findings were communicated to the complainant, Dr Aidid Nawawi Ghazali, on Aug 1.
Perak JKN also reached out to Dr Aidid, offering counselling services.
"The Health Ministry takes bullying and acts of violence very seriously and maintains zero tolerance towards any form of workplace violence," Feisul said.
The committee was formed on the same day Dr Aidid lodged his complaint (4 June), with the investigation commencing on 12 June.
JKN set up the committee to investigate allegations that a male assistant medical officer assaulted Dr Aidid at Gerik Hospital.
"Following this, the Gerik Hospital director issued a letter of reprimand to the officer involved on July 31.
"The findings of the internal investigation were communicated to the complainant, Dr Aidid Nawawi Ghazali on Aug 1," Feisul said..
On Monday, Facebook user named Aidid Nawawi Ghazali alleged that he was struck nine times—seven on his back and twice on the back of his head—by an assistant medical officer.
The doctor claimed the incident occurred while he was treating a female patient who had sustained injuries in an assault, with parts of her body exposed.
He said the assistant medical officer, referred to as "Mr. H," was not part of the emergency team but entered the hospital's treatment room under the pretext of knowing the female patient from their high school days.
The doctor explained that he politely escorted Mr. H out of the room, telling him that he had no reason to be there as he was not related to the patient.
"Not long after, Mr. H re-entered the treatment room while a police officer was present to take the patient's statement," he said. "I reminded him that he had no business being there, especially with the patient's body exposed.
"However, Mr. H then struck me seven times on the back and twice on the back of my head. I was assaulted, humiliated, and left in shock, while my colleagues and the police officer just stood there. Mr. H left as if nothing had happened," he claimed.
Aidid also expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of the investigation, alleging that the perpetrator faced no consequences, offered no apology, and continued to work as usual, while he was left traumatised by the incident.