Survey finds medical doctors bullied and burnt out – MMA

A SURVEY on Malaysian doctors conducted by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) finds that a significant number of doctors from public and private healthcare are experiencing some form of bullying with most of the doctors reported to be overworked.

The findings from a survey on Malaysian Doctors conducted by the Malaysian Medical Association’s (MMA) Section Concerning House Officers Medical Officers and Specialists (SCHOMOS) and its Junior Doctor Network (JDN) further confirms that bullying and harassment at healthcare facilities is prevalent and in fact widespread going by the survey results.

The MMA expresses deep concern over these findings as these issues, if left unaddressed, can have a significant impact on patient care especially in the public healthcare sector.

The survey which began on 15th September and concluded on 1st October found that 30-40% of doctors across all states reported having experienced some form of bullying. The survey also found that victims are more likely not to file a complaint out of fear or are unsure how to go about it. Even so, no action was taken when they did.

A total of 253 cases of bullying was reported in the survey with the highest reported in Sarawak (15), Selangor (9) and Perak (8). However, 197 were from unknown states. Sabah and Melaka have no confirmed cases of bullying according to the survey.

Bullying also affects doctors in all ranks with 168 medical officers affected while 50% of house officers and specialists who participated in the survey, reported the same.

A total of 728 Malaysian doctors from the public and private healthcare sector participated in the survey. Of the total, 476 were medical officers, 207 were specialists/consultants and 46 were house officers.

The survey also found that most Malaysian doctors are overworked, with junior doctors being the most affected.

The survey found that 60% of junior doctors (<2 years experience) work overtime every day! While only 20% of doctors beyond 2 years experience, work overtime every day. Another 30-40% still work overtime at least 3 times a week.

As for the frequency of Malaysian doctors working overtime, 35% of doctors work overtime 1-2 times per week, 32% work overtime 3-4 times per week, 24% every day and 9% never.

Although it may seem that the number of doctors participating may only be a small percentage of doctors from the entire healthcare system, these findings are nevertheless significant. In regards to bullying, these findings may be just the tip of the iceberg as many others might be suffering in silence. States with no reports of bullying does not mean there aren’t any cases.

With the resignation rate among Malaysian contract doctors rising by a staggering 1,131% in the last 6 years (2017-2022) as reported in the media, it is imperative that MoH urgently take proactive measures to ensure all necessary improvements in the work culture at all government healthcare facilities. – The Vibes, October 15, 2023

Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz is president of Malaysian Medical Association