THE management of Penang Hospital and the Health Ministry (MOH) must take responsibility and provide a clear explanation to the recent sudden death of a houseman, Dr Kelvin Yii said.

The Bandar Kuching MP said a transparent investigation must be conducted into the matter to ensure any toxic practices against any of the healthcare workers are curbed.

“This cannot be dismissed as a ‘common practice or culture’ and just be swept under the carpet.

“MOH must launch an immediate and transparent investigation into the tragic ‘death’ of a houseman at the Penang Hospital,” he said in a statement.

This he said includes preparing necessary support such as emotional and psychological care to all healthcare workers, including housemen, to ensure such incidents do not happen again.

Earlier today, the Penang health department said the death of the houseman was being investigated by police.

Its director Dr Ma’arof Sudin said police have ordered a post-mortem to be conducted, which will be performed at the forensic department in the Penang Hospital.

The DAP lawmaker said it was concerning that this is believed to be the second death to involve a junior doctor in the span of two years.

“On top of that there are reported tough and toxic working conditions for these young doctors up to 16 to 17 hours a day affecting not just their physical health but also mental health.

“Several doctors, who preferred to remain anonymous, said bullying in the medical fraternity is a pervasive problem.”

He said Putrajaya and the MOH should implement a strict zero horizontal violence policy in all workplace.

Yii said it was to curb any toxic environment and even violence among all healthcare workers.

“This, of course, includes psychological violence, verbal violence and physical violence during interpersonal conflicts or conflicts among colleagues.

“Horizontal violence has negative psychological and physical effects on the health of our healthcare professionals.”

He added that if the issue was not addressed properly, they would lose the young healthcare professionals which will affect the quality of care to our people.

“This is not how we want to treat our young doctors who were also a part of the main frontliners in our battle against Covid-19.

“Proper support and guidance are given to all for them so that they can be moulded and trained positively to be the best they can be in their position.”  – May 4, 2022.