The incidence of violence against healthcare professionals continues to rise, especially post-pandemic. The Organizaci\u00f3n M\u00e9dica Colegial (OMC) has reported nearly 9,000 attacks over the past fifteen years, with the year 2025 marking a record high of 879 assaults. This statistic translates to an incidence rate of 2.71 per 1,000 medical professionals, slightly down from 2.87 in 2022. Alarmingly, primary care settings experience 58.6% of these incidents, with private healthcare witnessing a sharp increase from 12% to 17%.<\/p>\n
Victims of these attacks are predominantly young female healthcare workers under 35. The aggressors, in contrast, typically range from 40 to 60 years old, undermining stereotypes of cognitive decline due to age. Studies indicate that 49.9% of aggressors are functionally capable adults, driven by conflicts arising from patient care and organizational issues. Psychological aggression, characterized by threats and insults, constitutes 80% of the incidents, while 19% are physical assaults.<\/p>\n
Disagreements regarding medical advice are the primary triggers for these violent acts. According to OMC reports, 70% of assaults stem from dissatisfaction with healthcare services. Issues such as disputes over medical leave and unreasonable demands for prescriptions further fuel hostilities. The OMC emphasizes the need for institutional support for clinical decisions to combat this trend.<\/p>\n
A recent report from the National Police revealed over 11,000 interventions related to violence in the healthcare sector, resulting in 138 arrests. The Ministry of Health confirmed a total of 18,563 reported assaults across the National Health System (SNS) in 2025, translating to 24.37 notifications per 1,000 healthcare professionals. While the increase of 1,493 assaults compared to the previous year is concerning, it is not as severe as the spike of 2,364 assaults observed from 2023 to 2024.<\/p>\n
Despite the alarming statistics, only 48.8% of healthcare workers report assaults to the authorities. Common barriers to reporting include normalization of violence as part of daily work, feelings of helplessness post-incident, fear of retaliation, and a perceived lack of effective institutional protection. The OMC has highlighted that victims often feel abandoned, increasing the likelihood that they will not pursue formal complaints.<\/p>\n
A proposed law aims to enhance the protection of healthcare workers by recognizing them as public authorities to ensure their safety and respect while fulfilling their roles. This legislation is intended to bolster existing rights and establish preventive measures against violence, including legal support for professionals who face aggression while performing their duties.<\/p>\n
The alarming trends of violence against healthcare workers necessitate immediate attention and action. Efforts to improve reporting mechanisms, provide institutional support, and enhance legal protections will be crucial in addressing these growing concerns. By fostering a safer working environment for healthcare professionals, we can help ensure the continuity of care and the well-being of both staff and patients in our healthcare system.<\/p>\n