Perkara                  :           MAKLUM BALAS

Tajuk                     :           DOCTORS SHOULD BE PATIENT AND APPROACHABLE 

Akhbar                   :           THE STAR

Tarikh Siaran           :           17 JUNE 2012

Kategori                  :           ADUAN

Dikeluarkan Oleh     :           DR FATIMAH OTHMAN

                                          DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HEALTH (PUBLIC HEALTH)

With regards to the afore-mentioned complain ‘Doctors should be patient and approachable’ in the Sunday Star dated June 17, 2012 from OMG, Johor Bahru, I would like to thank OMG on bringing forward this issue to our attention.  We totally agree with the sentiment and have continuously strived to achieve high standards in care.  However, pockets of incidence do occur which creates a wrong impression of the level of professionalism by our doctors.

The incidence referred to occurred in Klinik Kesihatan Sultan Ismail, where the person in wheelchair had wrongly approached the clinic for a medical report which was supposed to be given by the hospital.  The doctor had patiently explained to him that she could not write him a medical report as he was not treated in this clinic hence there was no record of him in the clinic.  The patients had understood and accepted the explanation.  However, his escort insisted that the doctor give a report and that contributed to the unpleasant situation observed.  Unfortunately, only the last part of the situation was observed and misconstrued.  I am glad OMG understands that government doctors are tired and overworked; and they do try their best to maintain an approachable and professional manner.  However sometimes clients try their patience and doctors are also human beings.  Having mutual aspect between all parties will avoid possible tension.

Thank you.