Ministry to probe sex abuse claims by housemen against dept head

PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry will investigate the sexual abuse allegations involving a department head in a hospital in the Klang Valley.

Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad tweeted yesterday that the ministry would investigate the allegations that were highlighted in Sunday Star.

“The Health Ministry will get to the bottom of this. I want to assure you all, especially the aggrieved victims (house officers),” he posted on Twitter.

In the reports in Sunday Star, several housemen claimed that they faced sexual harassment and bullying by an orthopaedics department head in a hospital in the Klang Valley.

One victim expressed hope that the ministry would investigate the cases thoroughly and also ensure the confidentiality of the victims.

“By keeping us anonymous, it helps us feel protected and also encourages others who went through similar situations to come out and speak out (against such practices),” she said, adding that most have chosen to remain silent instead for fear of putting their careers at risk.

Another victim said: “Although I initiated this, I could never fight the battle without the support of the rest.

“We don’t know what’s going to happen next, let’s pray hard we can make a difference,” she said as she also appealed for the victims’ confidentiality and safety to be assured.

On July 23, Dr Dzulkefly told reporters that closeddoor dialogue sessions would be held with junior doctors and housemen to discuss workplace concerns.

He said the directorgeneral, his deputy or even himself would attend such sessions if there was a need.

Meanwhile, Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Hannah Yeoh said the allegations involving sexual abuse against house officers by the department head were “very serious”.

“A thorough investigation has to be done urgently,” she said, adding that she would discuss the allegations with Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and Dr Dzulkefly.