Let’s be mature: Zaliha advises govt healthcare workers against striking

KUALA LUMPUR – Following rumours of a nationwide strike among government healthcare workers, Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa is appealing to them to think more maturely and refrain from walking out on their jobs.

Taking her concerns to social media, she said going on strike would not necessarily solve problems faced by the healthcare workers.

“I am aware that there will be an unannounced strike. Whether it will happen or not, I am unsure,” she said in a video on her official TikTok account.

“Whatever it is, I ask that all those involved – or are attempting to – understand that this will not solve the issue at hand.”

Instead, Zaliha has asked for those affected to meet with her face-to-face, adding that she empathises with the overworked healthcare workers as she is a doctor herself.  

“I actually really understand this issue. I have a background as a medical doctor.

“Therefore, I understand the circumstances and am determined to solve this issue. If solving it today were possible, I would have done it today itself.”

Nonetheless, she hoped those affected will understand that the ministry will require time to comprehensively understand the issue before it could implement effective solutions. 

Until then, she reiterated that any dissatisfied individual is welcome to meet her or contact her officers, saying they can resolve any issue together.

Her message was received with mixed reactions.

Numerous users wished her well in solving the issue of understaffing, while many also criticised the ministry for still trying to “understand” problem that have surfaced for a long time. 

Earlier today, Zaliha said she will be meeting with various healthcare workers to discuss the issues faced by the hospitals they work in.

However, she did not specify a specific date or time for her visits.

Various organisations and stakeholders have raised concerns about overworked staff and understaffing in certain healthcare areas.

Based on a report by a health website, 95% of healthcare workers consider the nation’s public healthcare system to be in crisis.

In light of this, it found that more than half of the healthcare frontliners were thinking of quitting, while another poll involving 1,600 government healthcare workers showed that more than half of the respondents were willing to go on strike. – The Vibes, February 15, 2023