MOH Will Disclose Findings On Pathologist's Death Investigation - Dr Dzulkefly

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Health (MOH) will disclose the findings of an independent committee investigating the death of a pathology medical officer at a hospital in Lahad Datu, who was allegedly bullied at work, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

Dr Dzulkefly emphasised that he would not compromise on the matter and would release the report in the interest of accountability and transparency, once it is completed. 

“It is crucial that this is done so that all parties, including the perpetrators, policymakers, and implementers, can learn from it.

“We need to understand the situation in detail and comprehensively so that we can draw lessons and establish policies based on evidence and accurate information,” he said during the Minister's question time in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was responding to an additional question from Lee Chuan How (PH-Ipoh Timur), who inquired whether the MOH planned to present the committee's findings to the public.

Dr Dzulkefly noted that the independent committee has been tasked with investigating the case for three months, beginning on Oct 10, and granted another three months to look into allegations of bullying in MOH healthcare facilities nationwide.

The committee is chaired by former chief secretary to the Government Tan Sri Borhan Dolah and includes former Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI) secretary-general Prof. Datuk Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir, and University of Malaya Medical Centre senior consultant Pathologist, Distinguished Prof. Datuk Dr Looi Lai Meng.

The other members are Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, senior consultant Psychiatrist, Prof Dr Chan Lai Fong; Public Service Commission member Datuk Dr Azman Abu Bakar; and Medical Device Authority board member and former Legal Advisor to the MOH, Datuk Mohamad Fazin Mahmud.

Previously, the media reported that a specialist doctor at a hospital in Lahad Datu was found dead at her residence on Aug 29, with suspicions that her death was linked to workplace bullying.

Meanwhile, Dr Dzulkefly noted that the MOH 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 issues.

“I will take note of whatever 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.

Previously, the media reported that a female doctor was found dead in her car in the parking lot of the hospital in June.

He assured that the MOH will not compromise in addressing bullying cases and is committed to promoting a fair work culture and a respectful environment within its healthcare facilities.

-- BERNAMA