MMA: Well-being of healthcare workers must be a top priority

PETALING JAYA: The well-being of healthcare workers must remain a high priority regardless of the government of the day, says the Malaysian Medical Association.

Its president Prof Datuk Dr Subramaniam Muniandy said despite the changing political landscape, healthcare workers are still struggling daily with rising Covid-19 cases, burnout, lack of manpower, ICU beds, oxygen and other equipment.

Dr Subramaniam said even the longstanding issue of contract doctors has not been resolved, adding that it appeared to be put on hold again due to politics.

"While the nation faces yet another uncertainty in leadership, these issues should not be conveniently forgotten. Whoever the government of the day is, it must ensure the well-being of healthcare workers remains a high priority, especially during the current pandemic," he said in a statement on Monday (Aug 16).

Dr Subramaniam said public hospitals are still overwhelmed with some states starting to see a spike in Covid-19 cases, although there is an expected downtrend in hospital admissions by the end of August following a ramp-up in vaccinations.

“We have already lost close to 400 junior doctors who decided that they had enough while the patience of their colleagues is wearing thin. It may be a matter of time before more will throw in the towel,” said Dr Subramaniam

“We have said it before that the government should not take this issue lightly as the growing frustration can have a serious impact on the standard of the healthcare system,” he added.

Dr Subramaniam also said healthcare workers seemed to be taken for granted, adding that many felt that their services were only needed now because of the pandemic.

“The Hippocratic Oath is often emphasised but our comrades are being stretched to the limit. Many have even perished from the Covid-19 infection,” he said.

Dr Subramaniam said it has been close to a month since the Prime Minister informed the MMA for a policy discussion but nothing has taken place to date.

“Regardless of the outcome in the country’s leadership, urgency is required in addressing these issues,” he said.