KOTA BARU: A recent viral post alleging that emotional bullying at a government hospital in Kelantan led to a former houseman's suicide attempt is about an old case, says state Health Department director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin.

       He said the incident happened in 2019 and was considered closed as the allegations could not be proven.

       He added that a social media post which went viral on Saturday (May 7) did not mention details and this made it difficult to identify the complainant.

       "We have seen the report and it did not mention specifically who the writer is. This has made it difficult for us to determine whether or not the complainant is a graduate doctor.

       "If there is a more specific report, we are ready to conduct further investigations and ensure that they (bullying victims) get justice," he told reporters after attending Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II's World Asthma Day event and the launch of its Severe Asthma Clinic here on Sunday (May 8).

       In the viral post, a trainee doctor claimed to have suffered emotional abuse and was also bullied and forced to work overtime during placement in the Surgery Department at a government hospital on the east coast.

       The trainee doctor also claimed to have attempted suicide twice due to the abuse and after no action was taken following a report to the deputy director.

       Dr Zaini said the department held regular meetings, from one to three times a month, to listen to trainee doctors' problems.

       It also had a counselling unit if they needed help or if they have problems, he added.

       On another matter, Dr Zaini said he did not rule out the possibility of an increase in daily Covid-19 cases following the Aidilfitri celebrations.

       "We do not rule out the possibility that there will be an increase (of cases) in Categories 1 and 2 ... we are maintaining beds for Covid-19 patients, around 300 beds statewide (in normal wards) and 30 in intensive care units," he added.

       Those suffering from problems can reach out to: Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999 or WhatsApp 019-261 5999); Jakim’s Family, Social and Community care centre (WhatsApp 0111-959 8214); and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929 or www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia for a full list of numbers and operating hours). – Bernama