Doctors using languages other than BM and

English: 'Ministry has started investigation'

KUALA LUMPUR:The Health Ministry has initiated investigations into the alleged practice of
senior doctors denying their junior colleagues the opportunity to learn by using languages other
than English and Bahasa Malaysia in hospitals, as highlighted by the New Sunday Times.

Malaysian Medical Association president Dr Mohamed Namazie Ibrahim said Health deputy
director-general Datuk Dr Azman Abu Bakar was investigating the matter.

He said Azman had given his assurance that he would issue a directive to hospital directors to
put a stop to the practice, which was said to have been going on for awhile.

A source from the investigation team told the NST that it was gathering more information on the
matter, adding that complaints had been lodged a number of times in the past.

“We are at a fact-finding and verification stage.

“We need to verify whether it is true that ward rounds are being carried out in languages other
than Bahasa Malaysia and English, for instance, Mandarin,” he said.

The source said medical practitioners were allowed to communicate with patients in their mother
tongue, such as Mandarin, based on patients’ needs so that they had a clear understanding of
patients’ problems or symptoms.

“However, when doctors discuss cases with other doctors, specialists and nurses, for example, it
must be done in either Bahasa Malaysia or English,” he said, adding that the ministry was doing
its best to address the matter.

He said hospitals known for this practice had been instructed to provide facts and information.

When asked if any action would be taken againt those who persisted on using languages other
than Bahasa Malaysia and English during discussions, the source said the investigation team
would not want to jump the gun.

“Wait and see how the investigations pan out.

“The fact is any management of case must be done in manner that everyone understands.
“Medicine is multi-discipline and that means one has to confide with other doctors or specialists
on cases,” he said.

Another source in the investigation team said while there was no standard operating procedure in
place involving languages, those in the medical fraternity should use common sense and
communicate in the common language.

“Hindering the learning process is one thing, but in terms of patient management, it is very
dangerous.

“Lack of proper communication could lead to wrong interpretations (of the patient’s illness and
wellbeing) and possibly lead to deadly situations.

“We need to reduce these kinds of risk.”