Health Ministry Sets Up Independent Task Force To Probe Death of Houseman

The Health Ministry will set up an independent task force to probe the recent death of a houseman who worked at the Penang Hospital.

The taskforce will also investigate the alleged bullying incidents that were brought to light by housemen and junior doctors.

Confirming this via a Twitter post, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said that he had received an early report regarding the death of the houseman from from the head of the trainee doctors' department.

He added that the police are also completing their investigation.

It was reported that the 25-year-old trainee doctor was placed at the Penang Hospital on April 4 and fell to his death on April 17 from his building of residence.

Meanwhile, allegations of bullying faced by housemen have emerged on social media where affected housemen have anonymously revealed the tales they have suffered.

The stories were posted online under the hashtag #stopworkplacebullying, initiated by Hartal Doktor Kontrak movement, which called for a safer workplace in the medical fraternity.

Among the allegations include verbal abuse, sexual harassment, and suicide attempt.

The movement has also demanded action by the Health Ministry on the death of the houseman.