Health Ministry ready to enhance measures for dealing with stress and mental health
TUAN BUQHAIRAH TUAN MUHAMAD ADNAN
PUTRAJAYA - The Health Ministry (MOH) is gearing up to enhance its approach to stress management and mental health, according to Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
While Dr Zaliha believes that the current measures, such as counseling and the Heal15555 helpline, are sufficient, she expressed openness to improvements if deemed necessary.
"If it is necessary to improve, I am sure we will do it," she told reporters after officiating the third Global Association of Clinical Officer and Physician Associates (Gacopa) conference on Monday.
Dr Zaliha urged MOH personnel facing emotional problems and stress to seek available support, emphasising that recent incidents have affected all members of the ministry.
"I am asking any personnel with emotional problems and stress to take this opportunity," she said.
She expressed her hope that such tragedies would not recur, specifically referencing the unfortunate case of a four-month pregnant doctor who tragically lost her life despite attempts to rescue her at her residence earlier this month.
In a related matter, Dr Zaliha highlighted the ministry's commitment to addressing mental health by incorporating it as the second pillar of the Health White Paper, alongside efforts to enhance health promotion and disease prevention.
While the police have not ruled out emotional pressure as a potential factor in the doctor's death, the MOH aims to tackle the issue proactively.
