KUALA LUMPUR – The Health Ministry will not compromise on the death of a pathology medical officer at a hospital in Lahad Datu who was allegedly bullied at work, and will disclose its findings, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad told the Dewan Rakyat today.
He said that the report would be released in the interest of accountability and transparency when it has been finalised.
“It is crucial that this is done so that all parties – including the perpetrators, policymakers, and implementers – can learn from the case.
He said that the ministry needs to understand the situation in detail to find what can be improved and establish evidence-based policies.
Dzulkefly was responding to Lee Chuan How (Ipoh Timur-PH), who inquired whether the ministry planned to present the committee’s findings to the public.
He noted that an independent committee has formed to investigate the case for three months from October 10, and granted another three months to look into allegations of bullying in taking place at Health Ministry hospitals and facilities,
It is chaired by former chief secretary to the government Tan Sri Borhan Dolah, and comprises former Science, Technology, and Innovation Ministry secretary-general Datuk Siti Hamisah Tapsir, and University of Malaya Medical Centre senior consultant pathologist Datuk Dr Looi Lai Meng, among other members.
Previously, a specialist doctor at a hospital in Lahad Datu was reported to be found dead at her residence on August 29. Her death was suspected to be linked to workplace bullying.
Dzulkefly also noted that the ministry is investigating another case involving a doctor at a hospital in Seberang Jaya, Penang, who died in June – also believed to be connected to bullying and extreme workload.
“I will take note of the findings, facts, and figures – or any data and information. I will not take it lightly, jump to conclusions, or make accusations, especially considering the issue of inadequate staffing at Hospital Seberang Jaya.
“…we will also conduct an initial investigation into this new case and may follow up with a probe by the independent committee,” he said.
In June, the female doctor was reported to have been found dead in her car in the hospital’s parking lot.
He assured that the ministry will not compromise in addressing bullying cases and is committed to promoting a fair work culture and a respectful environment within its healthcare facilities. – October 17, 2024