Attack on family doctor in Muğla: Reaction from physician unions

A family doctor was injured after being attacked after work in Menteşe district of Muğla. Reactions to the attack came from physician unions and associations. Making a statement on the subject, Taner Balbay, President of the Federation of Family Physicians Associations (AHEF), pointed out that family health centers are one of the most important service points of the health system and stated that millions of citizens apply to these centers every day, but family physicians and family health workers working in these centers are still not adequately protected against violence.

"THIS IS NOT A WORKING ENVIRONMENT"

Stating that they do not accept the understanding that sees violence against healthcare professionals as a problem only for hospitals, Balbay said, "Family health centers are also healthcare institutions. Family physicians are also healthcare workers. Family health workers are also healthcare workers. Then we ask: Why is the life safety of healthcare professionals working in FHCs still not guaranteed? If a family physician is worried about the threat coming from behind the door while examining his patient, there can be no question of the safety of the healthcare service there. If a nurse or midwife is afraid of being attacked while doing her job, this is not a working environment."

"IT IS NOT A BLESSING, IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STATE"

Stating that protecting healthcare workers against violence is not a blessing but the responsibility of the state, Balbay said, "We do not see it as a privilege to ask for security guards at FHCs. We want the life safety of healthcare workers. There are no security measures in family health centers other than the security cameras taken by family physicians. Panic buttons, security measures, fast communication with law enforcement officers and necessary physical security arrangements in risky areas should now be handled within a holistic system. There is no point in saying "get well soon" after violence occurs. It is quick and effective to perpetrate violence. Laws containing deterrent legal measures should be enacted as soon as possible.

We do not want to see photos of healthcare workers at funerals. We do not want to see images of healthcare workers being attacked. We do not want to say "we warned you before". We want precautions! Family physicians are under threat, family health workers are under threat, FHCs are left defenseless.

And now we say this clearly:

Waiting for violence to occur in a FHC and then taking precautions is not a precaution. This is negligence. We call on the Ministry of Health and all relevant institutions to take action. The security of family health centers should be immediately reconsidered, and a standard and applicable security system should be established throughout the country.

Because for us, it's not just about security. The issue is the life of the healthcare worker. And as AHEF, we will continue to follow this issue until the life safety of healthcare workers is ensured. "Violence in healthcare is not destiny," he said.