Doctors who spoke up at townhall with minister won’t be penalised: official

KUALA LUMPUR – Doctors who attended a townhall session with Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa yesterday where they aired their grouses will not be penalised.

No disciplinary action will be taken, a spokesman from the minister’s office told Getaran, The Vibes’ sister news portal. He declined to be named as he was not authorised to speak.

The officer said the townhall organised by the ministry with the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) was aimed at getting views and feedback from medical personnel on various matters concerning their work in the public healthcare system.

“A total of about 350 doctors consisting of government medical officers attended the townhall session with the Minister of Health, Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

“The session was also attended by Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni, and various officials,” the spokesperson said.

Among issues raised during the session included problems faced by contract doctors, improvement of public health facilities, lack of doctors manning the emergency departments in hospitals, and the career path of medical officers.

The spokesperson also said the minister appreciated all views shared at the townhall which lasted two hours. 

“With all the suggestions and feedback received, she will try to deal with the issues whether from a policy or technical point of view. She also thanked the medical officers for their commitment.

Dr Zaliha in a social media post today said she appreciated the doctors who attended the session.

Sekalung penghargaan buat yg hadir ke sesi Townhall atau libat urus di Ibu pejabat KKM.

Saya percaya, berpegang kpd teras ihsan dan hormat dalam kerangka #MalaysiaMADANI, suara dan pandangan para doktor sebagai pemegang taruh penting dalam sektor ini, dan amat bermakna.

(1/2) pic.twitter.com/GBWQwNp6MT

— Dr.Zaliha Mustafa (@Zaliha_DrZ) February 23, 2023

Thanking them for their views, she said that sticking to the core values of the government’s “Malaysia Madani" framework can resolve things for all stakeholders.

“After this meeting with the relevant parties, God-willing, we will try to move forward,” Dr Zaliha said. – The Vibes, February 23, 2023