MMA tells the government to view CodeBlue's survey findings on mental health issues among public health care professionals as a "red flag". "Even a single health care worker admitting to struggling with mental health issues is a cause for concern."
A Miri Hospital psychiatrist says Kapit, Mukah, Betong, Saratok & Lawas need resident psychiatric teams, as Sarawakian youths in interiors are dying by suicide. Alcohol & amphetamine addiction are major issues. Sarawak only has 8 psychiatric departments.
In a CodeBlue poll among 87 government health care workers (predominantly doctors) nationwide, 89% of respondents attributed work problems for their mental health issues; 76% are deterred from seeking help due to perceived obstacles in career progression.
Retired JKNS deputy director Dr Venugopalan Balan tells MOH not to stigmatise health workers with mental health issues, as mental illness is extremely common. "Even among health professionals who have mental issues, they are very hesitant to come forward."
A government doctor, who was open about his depression diagnosis, failed twice to complete gazettement as a public health medicine specialist. He accuses MOH of sanism (discrimination against people with mental illness) in his pre-gazettement evaluation.