Egypt's Ministry of Health Bolsters Security After Assault on Doctor

The Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population has announced measures to enhance the protection and security of healthcare facilities, particularly in emergency and reception areas. This move comes in response to a recent assault on a doctor at Qeft Specialized Hospital in Qena. The Ministry is coordinating with security agencies and the Public Prosecution to take necessary legal actions against those involved.

The assault on Dr. Rima Jalal, who was on duty in the hospital's emergency department, has sparked widespread concern. Testimonies from various sources described instances of verbal abuse, harassment, and physical assault against Dr. Jalal and other medical and nursing staff. The Ministry has vowed to improve mechanisms for receiving citizen complaints and promptly addressing them.

Dr. Hussam Abdel Ghaffar, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, emphasized that any attack on healthcare workers while on duty is an unacceptable crime. He pointed out that Egyptian law addresses such incidents with clear legal provisions, notably the law regulating medical liability and patient safety No. 13 of 2025. This law includes specific articles that criminalize the abuse of healthcare providers and stipulate penalties of imprisonment and fines.

According to Dr. Abdel Ghaffar, the law prescribes punishment for insulting healthcare providers, including imprisonment for up to six months or a fine not exceeding 10,000 pounds. For acts of violence or destruction of healthcare facility property, perpetrators can face imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to 50,000 pounds. The Ministry is committed to enforcing the law and holding those responsible accountable.

The Ministry recognizes that high patient volumes and long waiting times can contribute to increased tension within healthcare facilities. However, Dr. Abdel Ghaffar stressed that such challenges must be addressed through proper channels and not through violence or abuse against healthcare workers. He highlighted that the right to complain and demand better service is a fundamental right, but it does not justify illegal actions.

Dr. Abdel Ghaffar reiterated that protecting healthcare workers is not a privilege exclusive to the healthcare sector but a basic guarantee for citizens' right to safe medical care. He emphasized that providing a safe working environment for healthcare professionals directly impacts the quality of service provided to citizens. The Ministry encourages citizens to report any shortcomings in service while discouraging any form of violence against healthcare providers.

The Ministry's stance is clear: it will not tolerate any assaults on healthcare workers and will work with relevant authorities to ensure those responsible are held accountable. Dr. Abdel Ghaffar concluded that respect for the law and the protection of healthcare workers are essential for ensuring that citizens receive safe and high-quality medical care.

Key points

• The Egyptian Ministry of Health has introduced measures to enhance security in healthcare facilities following an assault on a doctor at Qeft Specialized Hospital in Qena.