From Roslan Sharif

I refer to your report “Stabbing nothing to do with crowded wards, says Health DG“.

This disclosure by the health director-general begs further explanation from the police and the health ministry.

What happened to the security at the hospital?

The suspect went into the staff pantry to obtain the knife and attack the victim. No one noticed? The knife was that easily available and accessible to an outsider?

The health DG downplayed the incident by saying “this incident could have happened anywhere”.

What a lame justification without the willingness, sincerity and honesty of admitting responsibility. His statement totally lacks accountability.

Does the health ministry ever subscribe to the notion that prevention is better than cure? Do they believe in being proactive rather than reactive?

Does the ministry ever conduct Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control (Hirarc)?

And the next question that begs an answer is where were the policemen who allegedly brought in the attacker?

The health ministry is facing numerous problems with regard to lack of manpower, inadequate or proper facilities and equipment, and the low morale among the medical and allied professionals.

The specialists, doctors, nurses and all other professionals are under tremendous stress and have been facing burnout for ages. Yet, new issues crop up every day. I don’t blame them for being demotivated and wanting to go on strike.

They are indeed extremely overworked, grossly underpaid and are down on their knees.

We need strong and focused leadership at the ministry who truly espouse the principles of Malaysia Madani and its core values of sustainability, trust, respect, innovation, accountability, humility, sincerity, empathy and compassion.

What was once a public health service regarded as one of the best in the region has now deteriorated over the years due to weak leadership that doesn’t seem to care or value the sacrifices of the medical professionals and allied staff who had worked their guts out to contain the recent Covid-19 pandemic.

Those who do not remember, value, recognise or reward those who have gone beyond their call of duty for ages do not deserve to be called leaders.

Leaders must lead by example and govern by an inner conscience.

Roslan Sharif is an FMT reader.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.