LETTER | Hostile treatment at hospital, baby faces vision loss

LETTER | Dear hospital management, I am writing regarding the deeply concerning treatment our social worker encountered while attempting to facilitate urgent medical care for a refugee infant facing vision loss this morning.

The stark contrast between your “Unit Hasil” staff’s behaviour and the fundamental principles of compassion that should guide healthcare is troubling.

To be fair, some government “Unit Hasil” staff are okay, but some are too much and think we NGOs owe them money.

We don’t! We’re just assisting those who cannot help themselves. We are assisting both the hospitals and the families to solve a seemingly untenable situation and hopefully help a child in the process.

Why be hostile? It’s a “win-win” situation if both parties work together for the sake of the children.

Professionalism and basic human dignity

Your staff's hostile treatment of our social worker attempting to save a premature infant’s vision is not an isolated incident but reflects a deeply troubling pattern.

Non-citizens are already burdened by being charged 24 to 300 times more than citizens for healthcare access since January 2016.

When good Samaritans step forward to help, they should be welcomed, not met with hostility.

The arrogance and rudeness in speaking to my colleague upset me; I promise if I had been there - you would not have had the opportunity to be as rude! My tolerance for injustice and discrimination is minimal!

Legal obligations

Malaysia has ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which mandates that the best interests of children must be a top priority, regardless of their status.

Furthermore, Malaysia has established legal frameworks through the Child Act 2001 specifically to protect all children’s rights and welfare.

Islamic teachings on compassion

Our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasised that “Allah is kind, and He loves kindness in all matters”. He further taught us that “you won’t be true believers unless you have compassion” - not just towards friends and family, but towards all.

“The most beloved people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to people.”

The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: “You do not do evil to those who do evil to you, but you deal with them with forgiveness and kindness”.

Your staff’s behaviour stands in stark contrast to these Islamic principles of compassion and mercy.

Ethical obligations

While Malaysia’s healthcare system is structured as a two-tiered system, the fundamental right to healthcare - especially for children - transcends citizenship status.

Your staff’s behaviour goes beyond policy enforcement into the realm of discrimination and xenophobia, which has been documented as a significant barrier to healthcare access in Malaysian hospitals

Finances vs compassion

We acknowledge the complexities of healthcare financing for non-citizens. However, when third parties come forward to assist with payment, creating additional barriers through hostile behaviour is both unprofessional and inhumane.

The current situation forces vulnerable populations to avoid coming to clinics because they can’t afford it, and then sometimes, the problem might worsen.

I urge you to:

1. Address this pattern of unprofessional behaviour towards social workers and vulnerable patients.

2. Implement sensitivity training for administrative staff.

3. Establish clear protocols for handling cases involving vulnerable children.

4. Create a more compassionate environment aligned with both Islamic values and professional healthcare standards.

The reputation your hospital has developed for treating non-Malaysians with disdain must change.

When faced with a child at risk of vision loss and organisations willing to assist with payment, the only appropriate response is professional cooperation.

Your current practices not only contradict Islamic principles of compassion but also violate professional healthcare standards and Malaysia’s legal obligations to protect children’s rights.

This situation demands immediate attention and reform. The sight - and dignity - of vulnerable children hang in the balance.

HARTINI ZAINUDIN is a child activist.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.