KUALA LUMPUR: The “toxic work culture” of healthcare practitioners, has to end, said Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

The Health Ministry is looking into ways to reduce the workload of its staff, especially junior doctors, Dr Dzulkefly said at the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) annual dinner banquet here on Saturday (June 30).

He also addressed the recent media report by a news portal regarding a houseman at Ampang Hospital who was allegedly roughed up by a doctor there.

“As I tweeted earlier, I have instructed top officers to undertake a detailed investigation to get to the bottom of this,” he said.

He also spoke of bolstering public-private partnerships in the healthcare system and of looking into the provision of universal health coverage.

“We have been practising reactive medicine instead of being proactive, preventive, and promotive,” he said.

Strategic partnerships with parties from both the private and public sectors have to be forged, he added, citing the Peduli Sihat scheme as a model.

He also welcomed healthcare practitioners to contribute their efforts and ideas to the ministry to ensure better and quality healthcare.

Dr Dzulkefly added that the ministry intends to ensure that affordable access to healthcare was not a privilege, but a right for every individual.

Perak Ruler Sultan Nazrin Muizzudin Shah and Raja Permaisuri Tuanku Zara Salim also graced the event.

In his speech, newly minted MMA president Dr Mohamed Namazie Ibrahim requests for the quicker placements of housemen and the revision of the medical fee schedule.

The night also saw the presentation of four MMA awards to healthcare practitioners in appreciation for their service.