Cynthia Busuttil
Doctor punched at Paola health centre
Health centre doctors have threatened to down their stethoscopes if another one of them is abused by patients.
The warning comes after a 44-year-old doctor was punched in the face by a patient at the Paola health centre on Thursday in what was described by the Medical Association of Malta as "the tip of the iceberg".
The incident happened just eight weeks after a security guard at the same clinic was allegedly manhandled by the relatives of a patient.
The doctor walked into the waiting area and was punched by an angry patient. The reason for the attack is still unknown but the police are investigating.
"We will not allow our doctors to work in an unsafe environment," MAM president Martin Balzan said, adding that verbal abuse of doctors was widespread.
He said doctors at government health centres were very short-staffed, with 55 medics doing the work of 120. "They are under a lot of pressure to do their job and, on top of it all, they are being harassed by patients and relatives," he said. Dr Balzan said the situation at the Paola health centre was the worst.
Although the Health Division recently stepped up security at health centres, the situation is still not satisfactory to the union. "Unless it is rectified as soon as possible, MAM may be forced to direct its members not to provide services in those health centres where security is not considered adequate," the association has warned.
Dr Balzan said waiting rooms at health centres should be sealed off from the clinic area, similarly to Mater Dei Hospital's emergency department.
No comments were forthcoming from the Health Division.
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edward bartolo
Nov 9th 2008, 09:52
Violence only instigates violence, that was the whole point of my posts. I imagine some telling me: "... and you have the cheek to say that!" As an educated person, I cannot accept violence, be it physical or psychological, even if it appears justified in the eyes of the attacker. Heavy fines and harsh punishments, although a deterrent for the great majority, are not effective with that kind of people. I think, improving the rapport with patients, should help reduce the frequency of similar events.
e.bartolo
Nov 9th 2008, 08:03
It is nice to note, that the medical profession, has a considerable number of good and exceptional examples. Everyone knows for certainty, that there are Doctors who deserve every respect for their excellent rapport with their patients. Hence, I would like to publicly thank these Doctors for their outstanding example. I can only congratulate them for their dedication and hard work.
Finally, I apologize with all those who may have seen my posts as too negative. I hope that MAM sees that the medical profession, is not tarnished by the bad example of the few.
Well done and keep it up for all the hard working and genuine Doctors. The people appreciate your work.
Thanks.
L. Attard Bezzina
Nov 8th 2008, 16:07
In my comments mailed some minutes ago the word "condoned" should be replaced by "condemned", appologies ...my mistake
Erin Ciantar
Nov 8th 2008, 14:24
Absolutely scandalous!! These people need serious punishment.
Charles Camilleri
Nov 8th 2008, 14:09
The manhandling of public officials is getting worst by the day. Only harsh measures against the culprits will remedy the situation. Public officials should be allowed to work in a serene atmosphere.