The World Medical Association (WMA) has urged Bangladesh authorities to initiate urgent action to end violence against doctors, other healthcare personnel and medical facilities in the country, noting that reported attacks appear to be part of a broader and “deeply worrying pattern” and not isolated incidents.
In an appeal addressed to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Minister of Health and Family Welfare M. A. Muhit, WMA President Dr Jacqueline Kitulu called for stronger protection for healthcare workers and accountability for attacks.
The WMA, a global federation of National Medical Associations representing millions of physicians worldwide, said it had been made aware of “alarming levels of violence” against healthcare personnel and facilities in Bangladesh.
The association cited reports of healthcare workers across the country facing physical assaults and threats, and cases of emergency departments and other medical facilities being vandalised.
Many of the reported attacks have been carried out by relatives of patients, often following the death of a patient, the WMA said.
It also pointed to studies conducted in Bangladesh showing that a significant proportion of healthcare personnel have either experienced or witnessed workplace violence.
The association said violence against medical personnel has consequences extending beyond the immediate physical injuries and psychological trauma suffered by healthcare workers. Such attacks can affect the quality, continuity and accessibility of patient care, undermine public confidence in the healthcare system and add further pressure to an already overstretched sector, it said.
The WMA stressed that states have a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of patients, physicians and other healthcare personnel at all times.
It urged the Bangladesh government to adopt effective measures to protect healthcare personnel and facilities from violence.
The association also called for all attacks to be promptly investigated and perpetrators held accountable.
Another priority, according to the WMA, should be strengthening mechanisms for the prevention, reporting and monitoring of violence in healthcare settings.
The association also asked Bangladesh authorities to address the underlying causes of attacks on healthcare personnel, including systemic challenges in the health sector.
“We respectfully urge your government to take these measures as a matter of priority,” Dr Kitulu said.
The WMA called for the measures to be taken in consultation with the medical profession and other relevant stakeholders as part of a joint effort to provide a safe working environment for healthcare personnel across Bangladesh.
