PUTRAJAYA: Despite the lack of representation among junior doctors and healthcare workers in the newly-established healthcare work and culture improvement task force (HWCTIF), the Health Ministry has assured that all views will be heard.

       Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said those chosen to be members of the nine-men task force were an independent group of people who will not provide prejudiced views in its probe on the working culture within the public health sector.

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       “There is no need for junior doctors to be on the task force in order for it to function properly and gather detailed insight on the work culture.

       “I made sure that the task force consisted of experts who are not from the hospital field, as we want the group to produce an independent report that does not come with preconceived notions or prejudice,” said Khairy to reporters at the Health Ministry’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at Putrajaya International Convention Centre here.

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       Khairy added that the task force’s chairman Datuk Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir had given assurance that it would engage with all parties, including the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), to gather their views on the issue.

       “I have informed doctor groups such as MMA that they are more than welcome to express their views on this matter, so that the task force can come up with an independent and balanced report,” said Khairy.

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       The task force has been assigned to, among others, come up with analysis and evaluation on work culture and human resource management, encompassing time and workload, channel for complaints and performance evaluations.

       It will also analyse information about the results of the investigation into an alleged bullying incident at the Penang Hospital, which is said to have led to the death of a houseman.

       Healthcare groups however have raised concerns that the lack of representation especially among junior doctors and healthcare workers in the task force might result in the evaluation and recommendation reports not fully reflecting the reality.