Health director general must not practise double standards

Aliran shares health ministry director general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah’s dismay that a motorist had reportedly blocked a hurrying ambulance even though the vehicle’s siren had been blaring to urge road users to make way.

As Noor Hisham pointed out, it was a matter of life and death which is the concern of doctors and, if we may add, of other people as well.

But we find it disconcerting that Noor Hisham and his ministry did not find it necessary to utter a word of concern, let alone disgust, when police outriders reportedly stopped a rushing ambulance to make way for Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s entourage to pass through without a hitch.

Even if there was a collision risk in that instance, as the police claimed, shouldn’t the Ministry of Health have publicly reminded all VIPs back then that ambulances and other emergency vehicles in their rush to save lives must be given right of way.

Such a message should not be lost on VIPs, who should provide a good example to the rest of society.

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.

AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama

1. Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
2. Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
3. Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
4. Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
5. Lawan rasuah dan kronisme

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