Medical staff assaulted: Ministry of Health directs installation of surveillance cameras, training in communication skills

assault on medical staff - Photo 1.

Gia Dinh People's Hospital (HCMC) once had to practice handling emergency situations with a scenario when two gangs were chasing each other at the hospital - Photo: DUYEN PHAN

Enhanced security

According to the Ministry of Health , in recent times, at a number of medical examination and treatment facilities, there have been many incidents of patients' relatives assaulting medical staff.

Typically, since the beginning of 2025, three consecutive incidents have been recorded at the Chu Se District Medical Center, Gia Lai on March 31; Thanh Ba District Medical Center, Phu Tho province on April 28 and Nam Dinh Provincial General Hospital on May 3.

The above incidents have disrupted order, security and safety of the hospital, seriously affecting medical examination and treatment; affecting the spirit and health, threatening the lives, reducing the motivation and dedication of the team of doctors and medical staff.

In the face of the above situation, to strengthen security and safety for medical examination and treatment facilities, the Ministry of Health requires leaders of units to urgently direct and seriously implement the organization of review, consolidation and full implementation of measures to ensure security and order according to regulations.

Proactively develop plans to prevent and respond to situations of disturbance and assault on medical staff. Direct the strict implementation of the Ministry of Health's guidelines on ensuring security, safety and order in medical examination and treatment facilities.

Urgently review, install and maintain security camera systems in key areas such as examination and emergency departments, duty rooms, administrative corridors, hospital entrances, etc.

Increase security personnel, arrange 24/7 duty at key locations, ensure proactiveness in handling situations.

Communication skills training for medical staff

The Ministry of Health recommends that units review the procedures for receiving and handling emergency cases, medical examination procedures, and regulations on providing and exchanging information with patients and their relatives during medical examination and treatment.

Strengthening the application of information technology in medical examination and treatment management. Especially effectively implementing electronic medical records, online medical examination registration, and examination by time slot to reduce waiting time, avoid overload, and reduce the risk of conflict.

Strengtheneducation on professional ethics and codes of conduct. Organize regular training for medical staff on communication skills and situation handling. Resolutely and strictly handle violations of professional regulations, regulations on professional ethics and codes of conduct.