Patient’s family assault health officials over ‘serum’ issue
Two health officials were assaulted at the Aksaray Training and Research Hospital in Turkey on Monday, February 1st. The incident occurred at approximately 4:00 pm when Musa D., his mother Döne D., and relative Filiz K. came to the hospital for treatment. Allegedly, they asked health officers Mahmut Okan Gün and Fatma Dönmez to remove the serum from Musa D.’s arm, but health officials told them they would remove it when they were done. Musa D. and his relatives became upset and assaulted Mahmut Okan Gün and Fatma Dönmez, resulting in injuries to both health workers.
The police arrived at the scene and detained Musa D., his mother Döne D., and Filiz K. Medical officers who received a report about the assault went to the police station to file a complaint against the suspects. An investigation into the incident has been launched.
Violence against health professionals has become a widespread issue, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health workers are on the front lines and are exposed to a high risk of infection, making their job more challenging. The World Health Organization has reported that “health workers are at the forefront of the COVID-19 response, putting themselves at risk to protect the public’s health.” It is crucial to acknowledge the essential role that health professionals play in our societies and to provide them with the necessary support and protection they need to perform their duties safely. Violence against health workers is unacceptable, and measures must be taken to prevent it from occurring.
