Tetap garis masa siasat kes buli, gangguan seksual di hospital, gesa MMA

The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has called for a clear timeline to be established for investigating sexual harassment and bullying cases within the public healthcare system. According to MMA President Dr R Thirunavukarasu, "Such cases should not be allowed to persist for months without resolution or updates." He criticized Hospital Sultanah Aminah (HSA) in Johor Bahru for setting up a special task force to investigate a sexual harassment complaint involving a medical specialist at the hospital.

The Johor State Health Department informed that the complaint was lodged on August 28 and an internal investigation had been initiated. The department also clarified that there were specific complaints requesting the complainant to retract the allegation. MMA emphasized that the Ministry of Health (KKM) must strengthen its complaint mechanism, particularly for cases involving senior staff.

Thirunavukarasu added that complaints involving senior staff should be allowed to be reported outside the direct chain of command. "In serious cases, the inquiry panel should include independent external members," he added. Thirunavukarasu also stressed that there should be no tolerance for retaliation or interference in the complaint process. Furthermore, the complaint or witness intimidation should also be investigated.