TUMPAT: Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad has stressed that the alleged assault of a doctor by a medical assistant at Gerik Hospital must not be taken lightly, despite being an isolated incident.
"This does not tarnish the image of the healthcare service, as such cases do not occur regularly. But we must not dismiss it," he said at a press conference after visiting the MRSM Tumpat temporary relief centre here.
Dr Dzulkefly said the Health Ministry would determine the next step once the authorities have completed their probe.
"This case is still under police investigation. Once the findings are reviewed, we will establish our own investigation panel, just as there is already an independent panel chaired by (former Public Services director-general) Tan Sri Borhan Dolah."
Yesterday, the Perak Health Department said a committee was established to investigate claims that a male doctor was assaulted by a male medical assistant at Gerik Hospital in June.
Perak Health director Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha said the committee was established on June 4, the same day the doctor lodged a complaint.
The investigation on June 12 substantiated the claim.
Following this, the Gerik Hospital director issued a reprimand letter to the officer involved on July 31, and a letter notifying the complainant, Dr Aidid Nawawi Ghazali, of the internal investigation's findings was sent on Aug 1.
On Monday, a Facebook user named Aidid Nawawi Ghazali alleged that he was struck nine times — seven on his back and twice on the back of his head — by an assistant medical officer.
The doctor claimed the incident occurred while he was treating a female patient who had sustained injuries in an assault, with parts of her body exposed.
He said the assistant medical officer, referred to as "Mr. H", was not part of the emergency team but entered the hospital's treatment room under the pretext of knowing the patient from secondary school.
The doctor said he had politely escorted Mr. H out of the room, telling him he had no reason to be there as he was not related to the patient.
"Not long after, Mr. H re-entered the treatment room while a police officer was present to take the patient's statement," he said.
"I reminded him he had no business being there, especially with the patient's body exposed.
"However, Mr. H then struck me seven times on the back and twice on the back of my head. I was assaulted, humiliated, and left in shock, while my colleagues and the police officer just stood there. Mr. H left as if nothing had happened."
Dr Aidid expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation's outcome, alleging that the perpetrator faced no consequences, issued no apology, and continued working as usual, while he remained traumatised by the incident.