KUALA LUMPUR: The government will issue guidelines on dealing with workplace bullying involving healthcare workers, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad
The Health Minister said in a parliamentary written reply to Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen (PH-Bandar Kuching) on Tuesday (Oct 22) that the guidelines will cover reporting procedures and outline prevention and intervention measures for individuals and organisations.
He added that the aim is to protect health sector workers' physical and mental well-being and create a safe and harmonious work environment, free from bullying.
He said the guidelines will be issued through the National Centre of Excellence for Mental Health.
In August, a pathology specialist at Hospital Lahad Datu was found dead in her rental unit following allegations of workplace bullying.
Her brother said his sister showed no signs of depression or intentions to end her life, adding that the family had discovered evidence in her WhatsApp conversations of her workload and how she was treated.
The ministry set up an independent special task force earlier this month to investigate her death.
Dzulkefly said the ministry will not compromise on bullying issues.
"The Health Ministry takes a firm and transparent stance, and will announce the results once the investigation is completed," he added in his written reply.
He also noted that bullying cases can be reported through the MyHELP system which allows complaints to be filed directly to the ministry's Integrity Unit.
A House Officer Encouragement and Reassurance Through Sharing and Support (HEARTS) programme will also be introduced, he added.
