The Belize government has ‘strongly’ condemned the acts of violence, threats, intimidation, and harassment directed at health care workers across the country.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) said that ‘an unfortunate incident occurred’ on Saturday at one of the primary health care facilities, where a doctor and another health care provider were physically attacked by a patient who was awaiting care. ‘Threats and attacks of this nature are increasing at many public health facilities. Health care professionals and support staff serve on the front lines every day to protect lives, respond to emergencies, and deliver essential services to communities throughout the country.
‘Any attack or threat against them is unacceptable and undermines patient safety, continuity of care, and patients’ well-being,’ the MoHW said in a statement.
It reaffirmed that health care providers have the fundamental right to work in a safe and secure environment and must be allowed to perform their duties adequately.
‘Protecting health staff is essential to ensuring timely, effective, and equitable care for every person who depends on the public health system,’ the ministry said, calling on all members of the public to respect and support health care workers in the execution of their duties in all settings.
‘Threats, abusive language, intimidation, or physical aggression towards health personnel cannot be tolerated. The MoHW remains committed to working with the public and with law enforcement to strengthen protection for health personnel and to promote a culture of respect throughout the health sector.’
The ministry thanked ‘all health care workers in Belize for their continued service to the people of Belize and the patients who continue to cooperate with and trust in the health system by seeking its services’.