SMC doctor attacked

Manama : A doctor was assaulted by two Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) patients at the Hereditary Blood Disorder Centre at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) on Friday.

Confirming the incident, Hospitals Affairs Assistant Undersecretary in Health Ministry Dr. Waleed Al Manea said that the Bahraini doctor sustained injuries in the attack.

“The incident created confusion at the SMC forcing security guards and senior officials to intervene. The doctor who was injured received the necessary treatment and a complaint was lodged against the attackers at the police station,” Dr. Al Manea said.

“The medical workers are sparing no effort to provide the best health services to patients. However, some patients exploit those services, create problems, verbally assault them and sometimes even turn physical,” the official said.

No further information was available on the people involved in the incident.

Referring to Article 222 of the Bahraini Penal Code, Dr. Al Manea affirmed that the attackers would face penal action.

“A punishment of imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months and a fine not exceeding BD50 shall be inflicted upon any person who offends with the use of signs, saying, writing or by any other method a civil servant or officer entrusted with a public service during or by reason of carrying out the duties of his office or service. The punishment shall be imprisonment for no less than three months or a fine of at least BD50 if the offence takes place during the convening of a court sitting and is intended against the panel of judges or against the members of the said panel,” the article states.

Dr. Al Manea called upon patients, especially SCD patients, to adhere to the rules and regulations, and to cooperate with the medical crews, in order to receive the best service.