KUALA LUMPUR: The new workplace bullying management guidelines launched by the Health Ministry are hoped to mark the beginning of a stronger, zero-tolerance culture against bullying in healthcare services.
Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira said the move was the culmination of repeated calls to foster safe and respectful working environments for healthcare workers across the system.
“We hope these guidelines will not only provide clear procedures for reporting and handling cases, but will also bring about real change on the ground.
“The well-being of healthcare workers must remain a priority, as it directly impacts the quality of care delivered to patients,” he said in a statement today.
Yesterday, the Health Ministry launched workplace bullying management guidelines as part of its zero-tolerance policy against bullying.
Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the guidelines outlined clear procedures for reporting, investigating and addressing bullying cases fairly and transparently.
Meanwhile, Dr Kalwinder also called on the ministry to ensure closure for cases that had already been reported, noting that some had previously been brought to its attention, including the bullying case in Sabah.
He added that for healthcare workers to have confidence in the system, it was vital that complaints were not only addressed with urgency, transparency and fairness, but also brought closure for all those affected.
“We trust that with these new guidelines in place, such cases will be resolved swiftly and that this initiative will mark the beginning of a stronger, zero-tolerance culture against bullying in our healthcare services.”
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
