Aisuluu Mamashova, a member of the parliament, has initiated amendments to the Criminal Code and Code of Administrative Offenses in Kyrgyzstan to protect medical workers from violence and ensure their safety at work. According to Mamashova, healthcare professionals face the risk of physical aggression from patients, their relatives, or even strangers.
Violence against medical workers negatively impacts the quality of healthcare, as it creates a stressful environment, distracts doctors from their professional duties, and can lead to errors in diagnosis and treatment. The proposed bill suggests stricter penalties for individuals who commit violence against medical personnel.
Specifically, causing minor harm to health could result in a fine or corrective labor with a ban on holding certain positions. Additionally, hooliganism towards a person performing official duties could lead to a fine or imprisonment.
Disrespect towards medical staff while they are carrying out their duties, expressed through offensive language or behavior, would incur fines for individuals and legal entities. The justification for the amendments also highlights the need to train medical staff in conflict de-escalation methods and improve security systems in healthcare facilities.
Previously, a group of parliament members suggested introducing criminal liability for individuals threatening or using violence against medical, pharmaceutical, and educational workers while they are performing their duties. The proposal also includes adding a new article to the Criminal Code on obstructing the lawful professional activities of medical workers.
Recently, several cases of attacks on healthcare workers have been reported. The Minister of Health, Alymkadyr Beyshenaliyev, instructed legal experts to work on enhancing their protection at the legislative level. The Cabinet of Ministers has supported the initiative to strengthen criminal liability for insulting medical professionals and other representatives of essential public services.
