LETTERS: Housemen are in the news again.
During the pandemic the key word, 'SOP', was on everyone's lips. So, why is there no stringent SOP for those undergoing housemanship?
If there are strict guidelines, surely there will no longer be any more bullying of housemen.
In the education sector, trainee teachers who are posted to schools are treated with respect.
What is important is the feeling of being accepted into the 'family'.
The heads of department and senior teachers will keep tabs on them constantly, advising them on the nitty-gritty of the 'trade'. It's all done in a humane manner.
Practically everyone who commits to the field of medicine has to be passionate about it. The person has to be brilliant in his studies to want to take up medicine.
It's very sad to hear of the ordeal that housemen have to endure after struggling for five to six years to complete their studies. This is not right.
The stress, humiliation and harassment, plus long working hours, certainly are not the ideal way to train or treat junior doctors.
How can they perform well when they are overworked?
The body and mind cannot function, and this could lead to disastrous consequences.
So, where have good manners and respect gone?
Perhaps a course could be organised for senior doctors on how to manage junior doctors. Counsellors can play an important role in this matter.
Thiagarajan Mathiaparanam
Klang, Selangor
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times