KUCHING: The Malaysian Health Coalition (MAC) has called on the Ministry of Health (MoH) to take strong steps to create a healthy and positive working environment in public hospitals and clinics.
It said health professionals had been experiencing tremendous stress during the COVID-19 pandemic over and above the existing stress of an overloaded, under-staffed and under-funded public healthcare system, even before COVID-19.
“If these stresses are not managed well, the well-being and the work quality of healthcare staff will be affected. In turn, that will affect patient care,” it said in a joint statement on Sunday (May 8).
MAC said there is a need for a positive work culture which encourages quality, learning and growth, and is anti-bullying and anti-discrimination.
“While we understand that junior health professionals must work longer-than-average hours to learn skills and competence, we urge a balance that protects their well-being and mental health.
“For seniors, there are ways to teach, inspire and motivate juniors without being abusive.
“For senior leaders, they must take responsibility to build safe and learning working spaces, and actively address toxic workplace behaviour,” it stressed.
It added that health professionals must be made aware of the resources available for them to seek support, and all feedback must be received and investigated without the fear of repercussions.
“A healthy workplace is one where communication goes two ways, and the welfare of each member is accorded high priority,” it said.
MAC also expressed its condolences to the family of the junior doctor in Penang General Hospital who passed away recently.
“We welcome the formation of a task force to investigate the death of the doctor.
“We must protect the health professionals who protect the health of the people,” it said.
MAC is a apolitical coalition of Malaysian health professional societies, health professionals and citizens dedicated to improving the health of Malaysians, strengthening the Malaysian health system, and supporting health in all policies.
