Violence against medical staff is an endemic problem in Israel, but not only in Israel. This phenomenon can also observed in Germany. Mostly the attackers seems to have a muslim background if you follow media report in Germany. The Health Committee of the Knesset held a meeting on the issue violence at health care facilities like hospitals.
The meeting was held with the participation of Health Ministry Director-General Moshe Bar Siman Tov, medical professionals and representatives of the Israel Medical Association, HMOs and the Israel Police.
One of the main problems discussed was the shortage of security guards in medical institutions. According to figures presented to the committee, only 60% of permanent security guard positions at medical institutions are currently filled.
Health Ministry Director-General Bar Siman Tov said, “Medical teams and Ministry of Health workers are exposed to thuggish and violent behavior in the physical sphere and online. Regardless of the amount of resources we will invest in the system, without security, and a sense of security, we will not be able to provide quality medical care to the citizens.
Yoram Rubinstein, head of the National Security Department at the Ministry of Health, said the additional budget of NIS 14 million that has recently been transferred for security in medical institutions was insufficient. “We need ten times this amount,” he said. Hence NIS 140 million are needed.
Prof. Zion Hagay, chair of the Israel Medical Association, said “These incidents cause mental damage and exhaustion among medical personnel, and many employees feel that it is dangerous to work in the healthcare system these days, when there is already a significant shortage of physicians. Therefore, we must act, and fast. We have to see action on the ground, the allocation of budgets, powers and personnel. The presence of police and security guards in medical institutions is extremely important and must be advanced.