19-07-2025
Health Ministry vows action over claims of interference in public hospital mortuaries
KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry has condemned alleged 'gangster-like' interference in mortuary services at government hospitals, vowing to take firm action against any misconduct and to safeguard the integrity of the public healthcare system.
Sarawak Health director Dr Veronica Lugah said the ministry viewed the claims with utmost seriousness and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring healthcare services are delivered transparently, ethically, and with full accountability.
"To clarify, the management of the deceased in government hospitals is entirely the responsibility of the next of kin or family members.
"Public hospitals do not provide funeral management services, and families are given full freedom to choose any funeral service provider they trust—without coercion or interference from hospital staff," she said in a statement today.
She added that, under existing guidelines and regulations, healthcare personnel are strictly prohibited from acting as intermediaries or agents in such matters.
"Any breach of this directive may result in disciplinary action under the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993.
"The ministry will not compromise on integrity and will act against any misconduct, abuse of power, or actions that may lead to corruption," she said.
Dr Veronica also urged the public to report any misconduct or non-compliance by healthcare staff through official complaint channels.
"If there are any elements of coercion, threats, or behaviour resembling gangsterism, a police report should be lodged immediately so that the authorities can take proper investigations and action."
She added that the ministry remained committed to delivering public healthcare services with transparency, integrity and full accountability in the best interest of the people.
Previously, it was reported that a former doctor had alleged that a gang, acting as agents for funeral services, had long "dominated" the mortuary of a public hospital in Sarawak.
The former civil servant said gang members often showed up as soon as a death was reported at the emergency department or hospital wards, sometimes even before the death was officially confirmed.
He claimed insiders were leaking information to gang members in exchange for payment.
