KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry has established the Healthcare Work Culture Improvement Task Force (HWCITF) on the heels of an alleged bullying incident at the Penang Hospital recently.
In a statement issued today, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said that former science, technology and innovation ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir will lead the task force which also comprised of seven professionals and experts.
He said that the task force would also look into matters beyond the reported bullying incident.
Khairy pointed out that the scope and terms of the task force would cover aspects of work culture as well as human resources management, to ensure the delivery of quality and professional services.
Among the roles listed in the statement are analysis and evaluation of work culture, human resources management of health service staff; analysis of information and results of investigation into the death of a houseman at the Penang Hospital; obtain information on work culture and human resource management processes for health services; propose appointment of relevant consultants to the Health Ministry for the purpose of supporting the functions and roles of HWCITF if needed; and conduct relevant surveys and analysis.
He said the task force was required to prepare evaluation reports and recommendations for the improvement of work culture and human resources management of the health service, that would be presented to the Health Ministry within two months from the date of establishment.
"The ministry is strongly committed in its efforts to improve the working environment of health service staff in general and eliminate toxic work culture in health facilities.
"I admit that this effort will take some time to bear fruit but I would like to emphasise that a conducive and harmonious work environment begins with respecting, supporting and equally helping our colleagues.
"Now is not the time for us to argue, not the time to point fingers," he said today.
A 25-year-old houseman at the Penang Hospital died following a fall from his rented unit of an apartment at Jalan Datuk Keramat here mid last month.
The houseman had only been at the Penang Hospital since April 4.
The issue has been linked with bullying culture at the hospital.
Penang health committee chairman Dr Norlela Ariffin had submitted to the ministry five names including specialists allegedly involved in bullying activities there.
However, none was confirmed to be linked to the case till today.
The case has been classified as sudden death. However, police are not ruling out reclassifying the case if fresh evidence comes to light.