Govt told to act against toxic bullying culture among public health workers
Published on: Friday, September 15, 2023
By: FMT
.jpg "Govt told to act against toxic bullying culture among public health workers")
MMA president Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz says the affected workers are unable to perform at their best, which threatens the quality of care and patient safety. (MMA pic)
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has urged the health ministry to act against the toxic bullying culture affecting public healthcare workers, after having received continuous reports on the problem.
MMA president Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz said the association was still receiving reports of bullying taking place at public healthcare facilities involving healthcare workers at various levels.
ADVERTISEMENT
As a result, she said, the workers were unable to perform at their best, threatening the quality of care and patient safety.
“All healthcare workers from every rank should feel safe and respected when carrying out their duties.
“In the best interest of patients, all public healthcare workers should also be free to express their concerns without fear or favour,” Azizan said in a statement today.
She suggested that a “holistic” feedback mechanism be used as a direct channel to report incidents, with an anonymous channel through which healthcare providers can report issues directly.
ADVERTISEMENT
Azizan also proposed using open and direct communication channels, instead of the health director-general relying solely on feedback from state and hospital directors.
She proposed that the Medical Act and regulations be revised to allow immediate action to be taken against any offender, as the current laws discourage workers from lodging reports with the authorities.
ADVERTISEMENT
Azizan also suggested that counselling or workshops on stress management be provided to care for the workers’ mental health.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
