Measures for health workers adequate for now, says Zaliha

Look at that: Zaliha touring the exhibition booths at the GACOPA conference in Putrajaya. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA: The existing stress and mental health management measures for health workers are sufficient but can be improved if necessary, says Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

She was commenting on the sudden deaths of two health workers – including a doctor who was four months pregnant – in Klang on June 4 and 6, as well as the need to improve stress management measures at her ministry.

Zaliha said existing methods included counselling interventions and contacting the National Mental Health Crisis Line, or HEAL Line, at 15555 to help those facing mental health problems get early help, adding that her ministry remains concerned about mental health issues among health workers, which is always a priority.

“For any worker who has emotional or stress issues, we have the space to have consultations and so on,” she said, adding that the deaths are still under police investigation, Bernama reported.

Zaliha also said the issue of mental health is the second pillar of the Health White Paper, which outlined the challenges faced by the country’s healthcare system and solutions to ensure a higher-quality, sustainable and resilient healthcare system.

She had earlier officiated the International Conference of the Global Association of Clinical Officers and Physician Associates (GACOPA) here yesterday.

Those suffering from stress or mental health problems can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service at 03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392; Talian Kasih at 15999 or 019-261 5999 on WhatsApp; Jakim’s (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia) family, social and community care centre at 0111-959 8214 on WhatsApp; and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur at 03-7627 2929, or go to befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia for a full list of numbers nationwide and operating hours, or email [e-mail].