Trainee Doctor Death: No Compromise If Bullying Elements Found - Dzulkefly

KUALA LUMPUR, March 12 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Health (MOH) will not compromise if investigations into the death of a female trainee doctor at Sultan Ismail Petra Hospital (HSIP) in Kuala Krai, Kelantan, reveal elements of bullying.

Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the Kelantan State Health Department was conducting an internal investigation into the case, in addition to the probe being carried out by the police.

“I don't want to make any premature accusations. We need to have comprehensive information before determining whether it was truly bullying.

“However, I will not compromise if there are elements of bullying that may have placed Allahyarhamah in a situation that led to her death,” he said during the question-and-answer session at the Dewan Negara today.

He was responding to a supplementary question from Senator Mohd Hasbie Muda regarding the case of a female trainee doctor who was found dead in a room at the hospital last Friday.

Meanwhile, in response to a supplementary question from Senator Datuk Abdul Halim Suleiman on allegations of a bullying culture among trainee doctors, Dzulkefly said hospital directors and heads of departments had been instructed to take immediate action against any toxic practices.

“We want to protect not only house officers but also medical officers and nurses. It is important to foster a fair, harmonious and respectful working environment so that staff can treat patients and one another with kindness,” he said.

Dzulkefly said every complaint must be immediately investigated, without shielding any individual, in accordance with the provisions of existing service circulars issued by the Public Service Department (JPA).

The circular, among other things, prohibits the use of abusive language, swearing, and open insults among civil servants, including healthcare workers.

-- BERNAMA