Latest news with #VeronicaLugah
New Straits Times
19-07-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
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.
Borneo Post
19-07-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
MOH probes allegation of 'gangster interference' at mortuary of public hospital in Sarawak
File photo for illustration purposes — Malay Mail photo KUCHING (July 19): The Ministry of Health (MOH) has expressed serious concern over an allegation involving the mortuary of a public hospital in Sarawak, stressing that it will not tolerate any form of misconduct, abuse of power, or corruption. Sarawak Health Director Dr Veronica Lugah said the allegation was reported by an online media platform on July 17 in an article titled 'Hospital mortuary 'dominated' by gangsters, says ex-doctor.' In the report, a former doctor claimed that gang members would often show up as soon as a death was reported in the emergency department or hospital wards, sometimes even before the death was officially confirmed. 'MOH takes every allegation raised seriously and affirms its full commitment to upholding the integrity and credibility of the country's public healthcare services,' she said in a recent statement. According to Dr Veronica, the handling of deceased persons at government hospitals is entirely the responsibility of the deceased's next of kin or family members. 'Hospitals do not provide funeral management services, and families are given full freedom to choose any funeral service company they trust, without any form of coercion or interference from hospital staff,' she explained. In line with existing guidelines and regulations, she emphasised that healthcare personnel are prohibited from acting as intermediaries or agents in funeral arrangements. 'Any violation of this directive may result in disciplinary action under the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993,' Dr Veronica added. She also encouraged members of the public to lodge complaints regarding misconduct or non-compliance by healthcare personnel through the ministry's official complaint channels. 'If there are elements of coercion, threats, or behaviour resembling gangsterism, a police report should be made immediately so that the authorities can investigate and take appropriate action,' she said. Dr Veronica Lugah gangster lead mortuary public hospital
