Penang Cm Calls For Special Committee To Probe House Officer S Death

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Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has called on the Health Ministry to establish a special inquiry committee to investigate the death of a house officer who was attached to the Penang General Hospital.
In a statement, Chow said it was important to establish the committee to identify the real cause of the incident and prevent it from recurring.
“The Health Ministry and relevant parties must come forward to explain the incident, as well as review and revamp the existing management system, if necessary, especially on the working hours of doctors.
“The ministry should not stay silent and allow this issue to reoccur.
“Appropriate strategies and solutions need to be expedited for the sake of this country’s healthcare system as a whole,” he added.
Tough working conditions
On Tuesday, The Vibes reported the death of a house officer who allegedly fell from his apartment building on April 17.
However, the article implied that it was possible he died due to tough working conditions and high demands.
The Health Ministry urged the public yesterday to give the police time to investigate the death of the officer, adding that an autopsy had already been performed.
The incident has caused some outcry among politicians who have urged the Health Ministry to take better care of their junior doctors.
Penanti assemblyperson Norlela Ariffin described the house officers' working conditions as "inhumane" whereas Penang lawmaker P Ramasamy alleged that house officers are often subjected to bullying by their seniors. - Mkini

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