A psychiatrist at the Civil Hospital of Málaga has been injured after being attacked by a patient in a corridor. The doctor had to be treated in the Emergency Department and is on leave. The Medical Association denounces the rise in assaults.
A psychiatrist from the Civil Hospital of Málaga suffered a physical assault while heading to attend to another patient. The incident occurred in the psychiatry area when a patient in the corridor began to insult him and then lunged at him, according to the complaint filed.
The doctor had to be treated in the emergency department of the Virgen de la Victoria University Hospital and is on leave. It was his own healthcare colleagues who managed to subdue the assailant, who continued to threaten the doctor during the struggle.
The Medical Association warns of the increase in assaults
The president of the Medical Association of Málaga, Pedro J. Navarro, has expressed his concern over the increase in such incidents in recent weeks. "It is unacceptable that doctors go to work in fear," he stated, urging administrations to implement more security measures in healthcare centres.
Navarro reminded that the Association offers a specific programme for assaulted doctors, which includes legal and psychological support. The last four cases have been assisted by lawyer Gracia María González, from the legal advisory of the corporation.
Another assault in Villanueva del Rosario
On the same Tuesday, professionals from the Northern Health Area of Málaga gathered at the Antequera Estación health centre to condemn the assault suffered by a resident doctor in family and community medicine. The events occurred on Sunday at the Villanueva del Rosario clinic when a patient, not receiving the prescription he demanded, struck her hard in the face, causing a fracture of the nasal bones.
The gathering included the health delegate, Carlos Bautista, executives, and representatives from various professional categories. Everyone showed their support for the doctor and rejected any manifestation of violence against healthcare workers.
The consequences for the reader
For the residents of Málaga, these assaults pose a direct risk to healthcare. The absence of the doctor at the Civil Hospital may cause delays in psychiatric consultations, while in Villanueva del Rosario, the assaulted resident will also be on leave. The Northern Health Area has reiterated its commitment to protecting professionals and has reminded that it applies zero tolerance to any violent act.
Patients visiting these centres may encounter rescheduled appointments or longer waiting times. The Medical Association advises citizens to maintain a respectful attitude and reminds that assaults, besides being a crime, harm the quality of care for the entire community.
Health authorities have announced that they will continue to promote prevention and support measures outlined in the Prevention and Response Plan against Assaults of the Public Health System of Andalucía.
You may also like
