Malaysia must not invest heavily in training doctors and nurses only to lose them because working environments have become unsafe or intolerable, said MMA.PETALING JAYA: Toxic workplaces in the public healthcare sector could affect patient safety and drive doctors and nurses away, warns the Malaysian Medical Association.MMA president Dr R Thirunavukarasu said Malaysia cannot afford to lose healthcare workers because of unsafe or intolerable working environments.Thirunavukarasu said recruitment alone would not solve workforce challenges if workplace issues were not addressed.He said Malaysia must not invest heavily in training doctors and nurses only to lose them because working environments have become unsafe or intolerable."Allegations of abuse of authority, sexual harassment, or workplace bullying must be investigated independently, fairly, and within a reasonable timeframe.“Complainants and witnesses must also be protected from intimidation or retaliation,” he said in a statement.This follows allegations of misconduct, sexual assault, and workplace bullying involving a hospital director in Sabah, which has led to a police investigation.A special committee appointed by the health ministry also conducted an internal investigation, while the Sabah health department said the panel's recommendations are being implemented.Thirunavukarasu pointed out that a similar case was reported in 2024 at the medical unit of a Sabah public hospital, involving alleged bullying, verbal abuse, threats, and pressure to disregard SOPs.He said media reports indicated that 11 medical officers have left the unit because of the toxic work environment.
Summary from source