Physical attack on doctor and secretary at hospital in Diyarbakır; harsh reaction from union

At Diyarbakır Gazi Yaşargil Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi, the attack of a patient and their relative, who demanded an examination without an appointment, on healthcare workers caused great public outrage. It was reported that the incident occurred in the hospital's urology clinic and the debate quickly turned into physical harassment. The reason for the attack was shown to be the patient's insistence on being examined despite not having an appointment and resorting to violence upon rejection. This situation led to the addition of another one to similar violent incidents occurring in health institutions.

According to the details of the incident, it was understood that the medical secretary informed the patient that due to density in the clinic, patients with appointments were prioritized and it was not possible for the doctor to accept a new patient. However, this explanation was not accepted by the patient and their relative, and an insistent attitude was displayed with a request to speak directly with the doctor. With the escalation of the argument, the doctor's reminder that patients with appointments waiting in line should not be victimized led the attackers to behave even more aggressively. Allegedly, during this time, the patient and their companion physically assaulted both the physician and the medical secretary.

Following the attack incident, Genç Sağlık Sendikası Diyarbakır İl Başkanı Ahmet Böçkn, who evaluated the issue, reacted harshly to the events. Böçkn stated that healthcare workers were tired of working under increasing threats of violence every day and were under psychological pressure. The union representative stated that due to staff shortages and difficult working conditions, healthcare workers were worn out physically and mentally and had to work with the fear that a bad incident could happen to them at any moment. He emphasized that such events cause serious problems not only for the victims but also for the health system in general.

In his written statement, Ahmet Böçkn called on the authorities to prevent violent incidents and argued that deterrent legal regulations should be applied uncompromisingly. Stating that it is essential to increase security measures in hospitals, he expressed that current measures were insufficient and more concrete steps needed to be taken to fully ensure the safety of healthcare workers. Reminding that they had issued warnings many times for violence in healthcare to end, Böçkn said that respect should be shown to hands that heal and that one must stand against the culture of violence.

Finally, as a social reflection of the incident, it was reported that attacks on healthcare workers were on the rise and social sensitivity needed to be increased to prevent this situation. Ahmet Böçkn called on all segments of society to support healthcare workers and condemn violence, saying, "Respect to hands that heal, no to violence in healthcare." This grim event brings security issues in the health system and the stress on personnel to the agenda once again, while the relevant Ministry and authorities are expected to intervene in the issue. It is predicted that legal and administrative works to be carried out for peace in the health environment will be followed closely.