They clean wounds, pull 18-hour shifts, and still smile while handing over free meds, all for patients who sometimes treat them with zero respect.
One government healthcare worker finally said what many have kept quiet about for years.
In a fiery Threads post that has since gone viral, the woman, who’s currently seconded from the Ministry of Health (KKM) to a university hospital, aired her frustrations over what she sees as blatant entitlement from some members of the public.
You come to the university hospital and start badmouthing KKM? Know your place. Poor, yet ungrateful,” she wrote.
“I’m an asset of KKM — don’t insult my workplace”
Her post didn’t stop at just calling out rudeness. She went on to defend her role and her colleagues with pride.
I’m an asset of KKM, just on loan to the university hospital. I get furious when people insult where I work.”
She argued that while Malaysians enjoy heavily subsidised healthcare, some continue to neglect personal responsibility.
From missed appointments to medication misuse, the worker highlighted how poor patient behaviour is often overlooked.
Everyone wants things for free, but don’t take care of their health. You forget your appointments, hoard meds from clinics and hospitals just because they’re FREE and still expect five-star service?”
“When reality hits, only then they realise”
She then shifted her attention to the broader issue, the growing entitlement and misunderstanding of how subsidies work.
Despite only having to pay RM1 or RM5 for services, many patients still complain.
But the worker believes these same individuals have little understanding of the actual cost of care or who’s really footing the bill.
Even if you have money, at least act with some class. It’s such a turn-off. Especially when they say, ‘Let M40 and T20 pay so the B40 can continue enjoying free services.’ Aren’t these the same people who’ve been abusing the system all along?”
Her words struck a nerve and it didn’t take long for other healthcare professionals and netizens to join the conversation.
“They hoard meds and don’t even use them”
In the comments, fellow medical workers began sharing real-life stories that echoed her frustrations.
One shared a heartbreaking moment when a patient passed away due to NCD complications.
When the family brought back the unused medications, they discovered boxes of expired insulin pens and pricey, specialist-only drugs like Jardiance, worth over RM160 per box.
Another recalled a patient who threw a fit over paying RM5 for a specialist consultation all while sporting luxury accessories.
“She wore branded shoes, a luxury watch, and had an expensive phone. Yet she made noise over RM5. The meds she got cost way more than what she paid.”
“You don’t know how good you have it”
Despite the criticism, not everyone was pointing fingers. Some netizens took the opportunity to express gratitude for the care they received from Malaysia’s public healthcare system.
“I got excellent care at a government hospital. Doctors and nurses were kind despite being overworked. And I only paid a fraction of what I would’ve paid elsewhere.”
Others echoed the same sentiment: the public system isn’t perfect, but it’s still one of the most accessible and affordable in the world.
“Some people really need a slap of reality. Try getting treated overseas, then you’ll understand how lucky we are to have what we have here.”
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