Housemen in government hospitals nationwide will have a weekly session with the hospital director or deputy director to iron out issues pertaining to being overworked, bullying and depression, said Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai.

NONEHe said they should express their views and complaints during such sessions with a view to improving their training.

"I am very concerned about all the problems faced by housemen including working hours and workload. I will make sure that their welfare will be protected," he told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

Earlier, he had opened the Nutrition Month Malaysia 2012 which is jointly organised by the Nutrition Society of Malaysia, the Malaysian Dietitians Association and Malaysian Association for the Study of Obesity.

Noting that the quality of doctors was very important, Liow said the housemen should be given ample time for training and that the ministry may review the current two-year training period.

Mental health of junior doctors

Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Dr Mary Cardosa had recently urged the ministry to review the shift system and conduct a study on the mental health of junior doctors.

The Graduate Medical Officer Flexi Timetable system introduced last year requires housemen to work up to 60 hours a week with two off days.

Elaborating, Liow said the ministry would probe allegations of  poor implementation of the new timetable system.

Nevertheless, Liow said he was pleased with the response from housemen on the new system which allowed them adequate time to learn and rest.

On reports that cooking oil was being recycled for some other industrial use, he said the ministry would work closely with the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) and the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry to investigate the matter.

Meanwhile, Liow urged the public to adopt healthy eating habits and lead an active lifestyle.

- Bernama