Medical staff are being attacked in increasing numbers by patients and family members because of perceived neglect by doctors and lax security in hospitals, Vietnamese officials say.
Medical staff attacked at Bach Mai Hospital
They estimate 14 doctors have been assaulted in hospitals since 2013, although there are no official reports of how many attacks have actually occurred.
On October 14 this year, two medical staff at Hong Thuy Medical Centre were attacked. They were sewing up a wound when the patient jumped up, used scissors to stab one health worker and chased the other one.
At the General Hospital in Lam Dong Province last year, family of a traffic accident victim stormed in demanding immediate treatment, and beat wo doctors who failed to comply. In 2011, thinking that the doctors were slow in treating a patient, a relative killed one doctor and injured another at General Hospital of Vu Thu District in Thai Binh Province.
Luong Ngoc Khue, head of the Treatment and Examination Management Department, under the Ministry of Health, said some of the assaults could be traced back to the doctors themselves.
“Several doctors were connected with brokers to increase the patient number in their department,” Khue said. “Some were irresponsible and caused regretful consequences.
“Doctors are losing credibility with public.” he said, but added hospitals did not pay enough attention to overall security.
Pham Manh Hung, the chairman of Vietnam Medical Association, said local authorities should also cooperate with hospital directors to ensure their safety. Hung suggested restrictions on the presence of non-patients in hospitals.
The Ministry of Health recently issued a code of conduct for medical staff, including improved communication skills and manner.
The ministry was working to improve services by easing the burden on many overloaded hospitals in Vietnam.
Đăng ký: VietNam News
