Rahayu Mahzam on abuse of patients by healthcare professionals

Since 2010, four healthcare professionals have been convicted of offences related to the abuse of patients. All of them were subject to disciplinary action, including being suspended or struck off the relevant professional register. Three are no longer practising, while one returned to practice after serving a 15-month suspension. Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Health Rahayu Mahzam gave these details in Parliament on Tuesday (Apr 2) in answer to an MP’s questions. She said all licensed healthcare institutions are required to report incidents or allegations of patient abuse, including by healthcare professionals, to their management. Steps must then be taken to manage the risk of recurrence. This could include reassigning the healthcare professional to non-clinical duties or requiring them to take a leave of absence.