At the Conference to Sign the Regulation on coordination of work between the Ministry of Health and the Vietnam Medical Union for the period 2026-2030, leaders of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor raised three major contents for the Vietnam Medical Union in the coming period.
Among them, the content that the public is most concerned about is the need to resolutely condemn and take strong action against the situation of infringing upon the body and spirit of medical staff.
The Vietnam Medical Union needs to clearly show its representative role when speaking out in a timely manner, and may even stand out to protect and sue according to regulations for violations.
This is a very necessary move in the context of cases of patients' families assaulting and insulting doctors and nurses that have been and are happening, causing public outrage.
It is worth mentioning that, in many cases, acts of violence are justified by the two words "indignation".
This is unacceptable. Because society cannot function if all emotions are allowed to be transformed into behaviors that endanger others. Especially in hospitals, where alertness, discipline and the highest standards are required, this boundary must be clearer than ever.
Furthermore, medical staff, regardless of level, are working in a very high-pressure occupational environment, from expertise, responsibility to work intensity. Now there is also the risk of being assaulted and insulted, so the pressure is doubled or tripled.
At the signing ceremony, leaders of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor requested the Health Union and the Ministry of Health to study and propose mechanisms and policies to protect the safety of medical staff at medical examination and treatment facilities. In which, the construction of specialized protection forces or facilities in hospitals needs to be considered based on consulting opinions from medical facilities nationwide.
It is time to have clear and deterrent regulations to handle acts of violence in hospitals, instead of just stopping at light penalties or mediation. There needs to be a dedicated security force, capable of intervening in stressful situations. And more importantly, a consistent message from society is needed that infringing on medical staff is an unacceptable act, in any circumstances.
In addition, it is also necessary to set requirements for a culture of behavior in the hospital environment from the people. The health sector is striving to improve service attitudes, building an image of a "friendly hospital". But that friendliness cannot come only from one side. Patients and their families also need to be aware that respecting medical staff is not for "repayment", but is a minimum standard of a civilized society.
Protecting healthcare workers is not just protecting a group of professions, but protecting the quality of healthcare services, and more broadly, protecting trust in the healthcare system.
