The Ministry of Health (MOH) has stressed that it will not tolerate any form of bullying if investigations into the death of a female houseman at Hospital Sultan Ismail Petra (HSIP) in Kuala Krai, Kelantan reveal elements of workplace harassment.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said an internal investigation is currently being carried out by the Kelantan State Health Department to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the incident, alongside a separate probe by the police.
He emphasised that the ministry does not want to make any premature conclusions until all facts surrounding the case have been fully established.
“I do not want to make any early accusations. We need complete information before determining whether bullying was truly involved or otherwise,” he said during the oral question-and-answer session in the Dewan Negara today.
However, Dzulkefly stressed that firm action will be taken if the investigation finds elements of bullying or a toxic workplace culture that may have contributed to the incident.
He said this when responding to a supplementary question from Senator Mohd Hasbie Muda regarding the case of the female houseman who was found dead in a room at the hospital last Friday.
Meanwhile, in replying to another supplementary question from Senator Datuk Abdul Halim Suleiman on allegations of bullying culture among housemen in government hospitals, Dzulkefly said hospital directors and heads of department have been instructed to take immediate action against any toxic workplace behaviour.
“Protection must not only be extended to housemen, but also to medical officers and nurses. We need to create a fair, harmonious and respectful working environment so healthcare workers can serve patients and support one another,” he said.
Dzulkefly added that every complaint must be investigated promptly without shielding any individual, in line with the existing service circular issued by the Public Service Department (JPA).
The circular prohibits the use of abusive language, verbal insults and public humiliation among civil servants, including healthcare personnel.
