GEORGE TOWN – Calls are growing louder for the Health Ministry to launch an investigation into the deaths of two Penang Hospital junior doctors over the past two years.
Alliance of Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the two sudden deaths “look mysterious” and the ministry has to conduct a thorough and independent investigation to determine the truth.
“The sudden deaths of these two junior doctors looks mysterious and the mystery should be unravelled,” said Lee, who is also the former chairman of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.
He said this in response to reports two days ago that a houseman attached to Penang Hospital died recently after apparently falling from an office building here.
Northeast district police head Soffian Santong did not rule out the possibility of the case being reclassified if fresh evidence comes to light.
The houseman was posted to the hospital just three weeks before his sudden demise. In December 2020, The Vibes reported that another doctor who had resigned from the same hospital had taken his own life.
Malaysian Trades Union Congress Penang division secretary K. Veeriah supported the move to call for a commission of inquiry into the issue.
He said working excessive hours results in physical and mental health deterioration, while working under abuse and intimidation leads to mental distress.
He also raised concerns over the long working hours of medical interns.
“Working between 12 and 16 hours a day is simply inhumane and a gross infringement of the fundamental norms to a decent, safe and healthy working environment,” he said.
“Under such circumstances I am of the view that the health minister must initiate a commission of inquiry to look into the working conditions, claims of abusive working environment and excessive working hours of junior doctors in an effort to rectify the situation.”
Meanwhile, doctor-turned-lawyer Dr N. Ahilan urged the Health Ministry to carry out an independent investigation into the case.
“This is not the first incident that has happened. A year ago, there was another case involving a houseman. Since there are allegations of overwork, humiliation, pressure, vulgarities and bullying, they must be investigated and addressed,” he said.
“This is to ensure a safe working environment for future housemen and junior doctors.
“An inquest should be held into current and previous cases, and the matter should be brought to Parliament.”
Those suffering mental health issues can call Talian Kasih at 15999, or reach out to Befrienders at 03-7627-2929 or [email protected], for support. – The Vibes, May 5, 2022
