GEORGE TOWN, May 6 – The incident of the death of a trainee doctor from Penang Hospital (HPP) is a very shocking and sad case. This case is not the first death case involving a trainee doctor in less than 2 years. Immediate action should be taken to prevent such incidents from recurring. It is no longer a secret that trainee doctors have to work overtime, sometimes they have to work more than 16 hours a day. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many doctors have worked in very challenging conditions.
Nevertheless, the welfare of trainee doctors was not defended, as they had to deal with employment contract problems which carried the risk of losing their jobs when the contract was not extended. Are doctors who sacrifice energy and time especially during the COVID-19 outbreak justified to face such a problem?
Therefore, the authorities should conduct an open investigation and identify the solution that is most beneficial to all parties. The issues of excessive working hours, lack of manpower and unhealthy work culture, all of which have existed for so long, should be resolved immediately through consultation and discussion with all parties involved.
Condolences to the family of the deceased. It is time for the Ministry of Health to act transparently, fairly and immediately!
