A hospital receptionist at Al-Hakim Surgical Hospital in Maysan is seen with facial injuries after being assaulted by a patient’s companion, according to health officials.
Maysan Health files complaint after hospital receptionist assaulted
MAYSAN — The Maysan Health Department said Tuesday it has taken legal action after a receptionist at Al-Hakim Surgical Hospital was assaulted by a patient’s companion, who was denied entry to the burns unit.
Mohammed al-Kinani, head of media for Maysan Health, told 964media the incident left the employee with bruises and cuts. “An employee in the reception of Al-Hakim Surgical Hospital was beaten by a companion of a patient in the burns unit because he was not allowed to enter to see her. After explaining the reasons for the ban, which are to prevent the spread of contaminants inside the burns ward, one of the companions attacked him, causing bruises and injuries to the face, shoulder, and arm,” he said.
He added that Maysan Health has filed a criminal complaint against the assailant: “Maysan Health has taken legal measures against the assailant and filed a criminal complaint in the competent court so that the judiciary will be the final arbiter in this case.”
The assault follows a string of violent incidents targeting medical staff in Iraqi hospitals. On June 9, 2024, a doctor and two employees were injured at Tikrit Teaching Hospital after a group attacked them over service delays. Less than two weeks later, on June 21, 2024, a doctor and staff members were assaulted at a clinic in Kirkuk’s Hajaj neighborhood following a dispute over hospital rules.
In response to repeated attacks, medical staff and unions in Najaf staged a protest on July 6, 2024, at Al-Sadr Teaching Hospital, demanding stronger protections and enforcement for healthcare workers.