KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 — Health director-general Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab has written a letter of appreciation to health care workers at Gerik Hospital for their emergency treatment to victims of the Gerik bus crash.
The newly appointed Health DG, who got the job two weeks ago, said the fatal accident along the East-West Highway in Gerik, Perak, that killed 15 university students wasn’t just a test for the nation, but proved the strength, resilience, and sincerity of “health care heroes” in the Ministry of Health (MOH).
“At that critical moment, MOH health care staff stood strong on the frontlines without hesitation and complaints, and without caring about the time, to save lives and reduce the burden of surviving victims and their families,” Dr Mahathar, who is also a consultant emergency physician, wrote in a June 10 letter.
“To the Gerik Hospital team, you are extraordinary. This district hospital with limited capacity successfully managed 29 wounded victims, conducted autopsies, and gave emotional support to grieving families.
“The sacrifices of the entire staff from waking hours till midnight and even 3am, despite these not being working hours, are a true testament to the spirit of #KamiSediaMembantu.”
Gerik Hospital medical officer Dr Muhammad Adam Muskhan previously wrote on his Facebook page last Monday that staff were prepared to receive victims of the bus crash as early as 3am.
“Although we are always misunderstood, when the crunch comes, we are the ones standing on the frontlines, contributing our efforts without fuss,” said Dr Muhammad Adam in a post that received over 5,700 “likes”.
Health DG Dr Mahathar also recognised the teams of Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital, Baling Hospital, and Taiping Hospital for their cooperation in handling autopsies, critical treatment, and victim transfers.
“You have proven that the Malaysian health care system is able to face critical situations with effective coordination and a spirit of professionalism,” he wrote.
“The staff of district health offices and public health clinics also played an important role in terms of logistics, psychosocial assistance, and post-trauma monitoring. Although these tasks may not have been visible, they were very meaningful to grieving victims and their families.
“All of the MOH staff involved, including doctors, nurses, and support staff, were the true heroes. This tragedy shows that your spirit of sacrifice and commitment has never wavered.”
Hartal Doktor Kontrak (HDK) shared the Health DG’s letter on Facebook today, saying that Dr Mahathar’s letter was very meaningful, after years of not having a leader who appreciated the exhausting work by health care workers on the ground.
“We’re not asking for money or positions, but simply a little appreciation of our sacrifices,” said the contract doctors’ group.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke told a press conference yesterday that all permits held by the tour bus company involved in the fatal crash have been revoked immediately, due to multiple violations like leasing its operating permit to a third party and failure to activate the vehicle’s GPS tracking system.
The tour bus was carrying 42 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students from Jerteh, Terengganu, to Tanjung Malim, Perak, when it hit a Perodua Alza multipurpose vehicle along the East-West Highway near Tasik Banding, Gerik, early Monday morning, resulting in 15 fatalities.
