The Bahrain Medical Society (BMS) has appealed for action, saying healthcare workers were repeatedly being targeted by patients and their families – particularly in the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department.
It warned the quality of care was being seriously affected as a result, but said in most cases the culprits went unpunished.
“We have made the Health Minister aware of such incidents that prevent doctors from discharging their duties since they feel threatened,” said BMS general secretary Dr Hussain Meer.
“We have also complained to the police and our members have been to police stations on follow-ups as well.
“If there is a police station at the hospital, we will not have to waste time going to several areas in Bahrain where we are summoned.
Deterrent “This will also act as a deterrent for those who repeatedly assault, or threaten to assault, doctors and staff on duty.” Sources earlier told the GDN the BMS had written to Health Minister Dr Faisal Al Hamer and the Interior Ministry following a spate of incidents at the A&E department since November 27.
“In one incident a Bahraini man, allegedly a drug addict, fled from the department after snatching a bunch of syringes and needles on Friday,” said one doctor. “The man was not caught.” In a separate incident the same day, a group of men – all thought to be Bahrainis – reportedly shouted obscenities and threatened an Asian doctor who refused to treat them before he had seen other patients already waiting.
On November 28, the relative of a Bahraini woman threatened to “teach the doctor a lesson” after he told her she did not require hospital admission.
“These are routine incidents,” said Dr Meer. “Bahrainis and expatriate doctors are targeted all the time.” A senior SMC official said he was aware of all three incidents. “We are investigating and will take appropriate corrective action,” he said.
Doctors and other staff, already angered by repeated attacks by patients or their relatives, have long been demanding a police station at the hospital. Department chairman Dr Jassim Al Mehza earlier proposed a BD500 risk allowance for staff who came into contact with patients – revealing that on average a doctor was assaulted every day. Meanwhile, an Interior Ministry official confirmed it was studying the police station proposal.