The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has issued a compelling call to the Ministry of Health (MOH) to urgently address the escalating mental health challenges faced by healthcare professionals working in the public service.
In response to the recent survey conducted by CodeBlue among government healthcare professionals, MMA President Dr. Azizan Abdul Aziz expressed deep concern over the findings. Dr. Azizan emphasized that while the survey might not encompass the entire public healthcare workforce, even a single healthcare worker struggling with mental health issues is a significant cause for concern.
The survey, conducted in July and involving 87 government healthcare workers, predominantly from the MOH, revealed alarming statistics. An overwhelming 89% of respondents attributed their mental health issues to their work, and a staggering 76% chose not to seek counseling or psychiatric therapy, primarily due to concerns about career progression. Over 70% of respondents reported experiencing mental health issues or uncertainty about their mental health status, with depression being the most common diagnosis.
The MMA underscored the Auditor-General’s 2018 report, which revealed that one in five emergency doctors in the public sector suffered from burnout syndrome, and 35.5% of respondents experienced emotional burnout. Dr. Azizan highlighted the profound impact of a toxic work culture within the public healthcare sector, affecting the quality of care, patient safety, and overall care outcomes.
The association urged the government to take immediate action to address this critical issue. Key recommendations include rectifying the maldistribution of healthcare professionals, ensuring fair and reasonable working hours, and collaborating with the country’s network of 13,000 private general practitioners to manage patients with non-communicable diseases.
Additionally, MMA stressed the pressing need for a healthier work culture and environment within public healthcare facilities. This entails preventing stigma and discrimination against healthcare workers struggling with mental health issues. The organization also highlighted its dedicated platform, Helpdoc, which provides healthcare workers facing workplace issues with a channel to voice concerns and report instances of bullying and harassment.
Dr. Azizan’s call to action is a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing the mental well-being of healthcare professionals, who play a vital role in safeguarding public health. Addressing these challenges is not only a moral obligation but also crucial for maintaining the quality of healthcare services in Malaysia.
