Over seventy percent of doctors in the country have experienced violence at the workplace, encompassing threats, harm, and even physical assaults. The Medical Chamber urgently requests swift resolutions to each incident. This response stems from perceived bureaucratic delays that discourage doctors from reporting such occurrences.
Dr. Kalina Gruevcheva Stardeleva, President of the Medical Chamber, recounted a specific incident: “While speaking on the phone, I was struck, and my official phone was torn apart. I go to work to heal people, not to be harmed for who I am or what I do – to treat patients.
I reported it to both directors, within the Ministry of Health and the Police. We’ve been summoned for checks for years during public prosecution meetings.”
These attacks have significant psychological consequences for healthcare professionals, according to the Chamber. Dr.
Kardy Hdzihamza, a psychiatrist, stated, “Colleagues have come to receive therapy, and we continued to treat patients, but for how long and how will we see it?”
The Ministry of Health acknowledges the imperfections within the healthcare system, particularly patient frustration due to long waits and hospital chaos. Minister Aliou has announced improvements, not just for doctors but also for patients. He plans to enhance appointment scheduling and implement digital information systems to manage patient expectations.
Changes to the Criminal Code in 2023 now classify attacks on medical personnel as assaults on public officials. Last year, two criminal complaints were filed regarding assaults on healthcare workers, involving three perpetrators in Skopje and Stip.
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More than seventy percent of physicians within the nation have suffered violence in their professional environments, including threats, injury, and physical attacks. The Medical Chamber is urgently ca
A significant portion of the medical profession has suffered. More than seventy percent of doctors nationwide have been victims of workplace violence, including threats, injury, and physical attacks.