Protest of doctors in Lezha, another violent attack ingites protest actions from medical staff

Protest of doctors in Lezha, another violent attack ingites protest actions from

A dermatologist at the Hospital of Lezha was violently attacked in his office yesterday, after refusing to assess a patient who had not passed through the referral system appropriately.

Dermatologist Zef Doda was struck with heavy objects by 24-year-old Eduart Lleshi, who surrendered himself to police yesterday and admitted that he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.

Having undergone the necessary examinations, it has been determined that Dr Doda has suffered fractures to parts of his face.

Now the fourth attack on medical service providers in 2019, the staff of Lezha’s hospital took to protesting today, in a sign of solidarity towards their colleague.

Medical practitioners are demanding for the introduction of round-the-clock police presence at hospital premises, as well as for violent attacks against hospital employees to be considered a special penal offence.

According to healthcare workers, cases of violence against them have reached concerning levels and they have become fearful of carrying out their duties on a day-to-day basis without police protection.

Infectious Disease Specialist at the Hospital of Lezha, Martin Marku, stated: “We seek support from the state to protect us whilst we conduct our duties.”

Marku’s colleague, Doctor Valdimir Martini added, “The new laws should come into effect as soon as possible.”

The medical staff at the Hospital of Lezha plan to continue their protest on Monday, with an accompanying list of requests to be sent to the Ministry of Health. This is according to Dr Tonin Frroku, who announced:

“Lezha Hospital will organize another protest for awareness on this issue and will also submit a list of requests which will be addressed to the Ministry of Health.”

The Ministry of Health has made a request to strengthen the Penal Code for Violence against Doctors, as well as having established a new scheme relating to hospital visiting hours in an attempt to curb such violent attacks on hospital employees.



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