Violent attack on healthcare worker in a hospital in Van

Oktay Özbey, a healthcare worker at Van Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi, was subjected to a physical attack by a patient and their relatives while performing his duties. This incident has once again revealed how deep the problem of violence in healthcare institutions has become. While hospitals are supposed to be a safe space for both patients and healthcare personnel, sometimes the exact opposite picture is encountered. It is reported that the attacked healthcare worker came face-to-face with the risk of losing his life or being severely injured. Such situations cause great concern and demoralization in the healthcare community, lowering the motivation of colleagues.

In recent years across Türkiye, incidents of violence against healthcare workers have unfortunately shown an increasing trend. The Sağlık Bakanlığı and relevant institutions have been implementing various legal regulations and security protocols to prevent such incidents. However, these tragic events occurring in hospital corridors clearly demonstrate that existing measures are inadequate. While healthcare personnel work day and night to save people's lives, it is essential that they themselves are under physical and psychological protection. The main reasons behind the attacks are cited as a lack of adequate awareness regarding patient rights, long waiting times, and an increase in the societal tendency for violence.

It is known that the health infrastructure in the Doğu Anadolu Bölgesi, which includes Van ilinin, harbors different dynamics compared to major cities. Since a large influx of patients from surrounding provinces is directed to hospitals in the region, the workload of healthcare workers is quite high. This intensity can extend the waiting time for patients and their relatives, paving the way for rising tensions. The fact that this attack occurred at Van Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi, one of the region's most important health centers, suggests that local dynamics might also be among the triggers of the incident. It is clear that there is a need for social education to change the perspective of the local people towards health institutions.

Following the incident, the hospital management, local security forces, and healthcare professional organizations have launched an investigation into the matter. The process of identifying the suspects involved in the attack and handing them over to the judicial authorities is ongoing. Türk Tabipleri Birliği and other healthcare unions have condemned the incident, announcing that they have started a legal battle for the perpetrator to receive the heaviest penalty. Healthcare workers are conducting awareness campaigns in collaboration with civil society organizations to ensure that such attacks do not become commonplace. The justice system playing a deterrent role in these incidents is of great importance in preventing similar cases in the future.

Incidents of violence in healthcare institutions do not only affect the immediate victim; they also undermine the entire society's trust in the healthcare system. Young physician candidates may hesitate about their career choices or going to mandatory service zones when they hear such news. Experts frequently emphasize that if violence against healthcare workers cannot be prevented, a serious physician shortage problem may be faced, especially in rural and Eastern regions. Every segment of society needs to internalize the truth that healthcare workers are valuable assets that must be protected like their own family members. For violence in healthcare to end, not only legal sanctions but also a cultural transformation are required.