'Helpdoc' launched to help doctors in stress

A helpline to help medical doctors deal with work pressures and personal problems has been set up by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA).

The hotline, 'Helpdoc' was launched here Saturday, to take complaints from medical doctors, especially young doctors in the midst of their housemanship.

Speaking at the event, MMA president Dr Ravindran R. Naidu said the helpline was provided by the association and managed by its staff to take in complaints by doctors.

"We have a team of four MMA staff who will serve doctors at hospitals nationwide, they will take the calls, hear their grouses and refer them to the right counsellor or psychologist.

"The hotline will be a 24-hour support system and is fully in operation today," he added.

The event was launched by the health ministry's medical development division director, Datuk Azman Abu Bakar who said the ministry would closely work with MMA to deal with complaints received by the association.

For doctors in need, call 'Helpdoc' at 03-40411140.

-- BERNAMA