KUALA LUMPUR, May 12 – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has opened an investigation into alleged breaches of the human rights of house officers, following the death of a Penang Hospital houseman last month.
In a brief statement on its Facebook page yesterday, the statutory human rights body said it opened its investigation after a 25-year-old trainee doctor fell to his death outside his residence last April 17, less than two weeks into his posting to Penang Hospital on April 4.
“In line with that, Suhakam invites the general public or any individual to furnish information on this issue to assist in Suhakam’s investigation.
“Information can be sent to Mr Abdul Rahman Abdullah at 012-2392307 or [email protected] or Mr Muhammad Faiz bin Abdul Rahman at 012-8136079 or [email protected].”
The death of the Penang Hospital house officer has triggered a national debate on the alleged long standing toxic culture of bullying of junior doctors in public hospitals.
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin told reporters earlier today that he would announce details of the independent task force tomorrow that would investigate the Penang Hospital houseman’s death and workplace bullying in the medical profession.
The Penang and Negeri Sembilan state governments have sent Khairy reports on doctors accused of engaging in workplace bullying in Penang Hospital and two hospitals in Negeri Sembilan.
Penang state executive councillor in charge of health Dr Norlela Ariffin is also seeking to organise a formal state exco health meeting with 300 housemen across the state to officially document their views on bullying of trainee doctors.
