Do Not Assault Health Professionals, Minister Pleads

Health professionals must not be assaulted whether physically or verbally because when they are relaxed and loved, they are at their best.

That’s the message from Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete following an incident where a doctor was allegedly assaulted by a patient’s relative in a hospital in the West.

Dr Waqainabete said despite the alleged incident, the doctor still treated his assailant’s relative.

“This health professional stood up; attended to the patient who is stable before receiving medical treatment,” Dr Waqainabete said.

“The doctor is also stable and at home on bed rest and the matter has been reported to the Police,” he said.

He said there were proper procedures where the public could lodge their complaints and not with assaulting medical professionals.

“The public is more than welcome to contact our complaints line 157 or email me on waqainabete@govnet.gov.fj or the acting Permanent Secretary on james.fong@govnet.gov.fj if they are unhappy about our health system or how they have been treated.”

Police Spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed the incident.

She said upon trying to get the attention of the victim he allegedly pulled his arm in trying to get some attention for his sick father.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

Feedback: inoke.rabonu@fijisun.com.fj