The unfortunate recent tragedy at Putra Heights that shocked the country once again showed us how important medical personnel are.
Although it happened during the Hari Raya holidays, we witnessed how medical personnel from different hospitals tirelessly provided medical aid to the victims, both at the location and in the hospitals.
During any disaster around the world, one of the professions that is always called upon are the medical professionals.
Not long ago, it was this group of white-collar professionals who stood as our first line of defence during the Covid-19 pandemic. These men and women from the medical industry deserve our utmost respect and adulation.
Unfortunately, despite knowing the importance, they are often overlooked when it comes to promotions, work-life balance, mental health, and well-being. We turn to them at time of need and turn away when the need is over.
With resignations from all quarters in the medical profession, the Ministry of Health (MOH) appears to be at its lowest point on the confidence level. It sends shivers down the spine to know that our go-to personnel are depleting in the service sector.
As the saying goes, “You can have a hundred problems, but when you have a health problem, you then only have one problem.”
This sums up why the sinking ship should not be allowed to sink. It shows why good leadership is cardinal. It tells us why sleeves need to be rolled up to combat resignation rates. It magnifies why we need to prevent the medical service sector from imploding.
Drastic actions are required to prevent an impending collapse of the system. Citing Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) as an example, staff welfare seems to be paramount on the list.
Increasing the number of healing corners, upgrading of ‘on-call’ suites, and modification of staff cafeterias show that the leadership cares. It may be little initiatives, but every big achievement in history started with small steps.
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects seem to be on the rise to address financial limitations faced by the hospital. Although it should have happened ages ago, digitalisation seems to finally be happening.
Approvals for extra-curricular activities for the staff, whether it is career progression or simply a fun run, are said to be happening thick and fast.
Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad has the herculean task of saving the service sector. He will not be able to do it all by himself. He needs a good group of leaders who are willing to grab the bull by its horns.
Regaining confidence and retaining staff is a monumental undertaking in this era, but it must be done because having a weak health service sector will only lead to a sick nation. Just as the judiciary system needs a reform, the health sector also needs a major revamp.
Lee Hui Shan is a worried citizen of this beautiful nation.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
