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Global Health Econ Sustain HCWs and violence in emergency services

measures should be implemented by the Ministry of
Health, the Ministry of Justice (attorney), the judicial
police, and especially mainstream media outlets.

4.1. The prejudgment: An attitude rooted in minds
Prejudgment stands as one of the most significant
challenges HCWs are facing in contemporary health
centers and hospitals. It represents an enduring stereotype
deeply entrenched in the minds and perceptions of the
public, persisting despite the efforts deployed by young
doctors and nurses to combat it.
The prevailing issue lies in the belief held by citizens
that they will not receive adequate services at hospitals
Figure 5. The proportions of health-care workers who pursued judicial unless they offer bribes to various HCWs, ranging from
trial. In this study, 45% of the participants opted for the judicial trial.
However, it is noteworthy that withdrawal constituted the outcome in security personnel to doctors and nurses. Therefore,
more than 50% of these cases. individuals felt compelled to resort to one of two methods
to access services: either by engaging in illegal payments by
causing disturbances, including shouting, claiming rights
and duties, and resorting to insults directed at doctors,
nurses, and the country itself. By instilling fear in HCWs
and demanding superior services, individuals hoped to
expedite their treatment process, often receiving privileges
such as priority for X-ray exams, laboratory analyses, or
securing a patient bed, solely to hasten their departure.

4.2. Awareness of rights among the public
This aspect is pivotal as it underscores the traditional
reverence held for doctors and nurses, honoring their
sacrifices and generally estimating their profession
(Belhousse, 2017). Historically, HCWs were regarded with
such high regard that few dared to challenge or bring legal
action against them, even in cases of accidental errors
Figure 6. The proportion of health-care workers (HCWs) perceive social resulting in injury or death (Belhousse, 2017).
media as exacerbating feelings of hatred and hostility toward them. More
than 80% of the HCWs confirmed that social media indeed fuels hatred During the COVID-19 pandemic, HCWs exhibited
toward them among the general public. patriotism, bravery, and unprecedented courage (Hadavi
et al., 2023). Their dedication deserved universal support
4. Discussion and appreciation (Kharbouchi, 2021).
The violence against HCWs has become a grave However, contemporary doctors and nurses face a
phenomenon not only in Morocco but also on a global new form of violence, one tougher than verbal or physical
scale (Vento et al., 2018). Regrettably, it has largely gone aggression – the fear of committing errors in their work.
unrecognized and underreported (Lee et al., 2010). Many have found themselves dragged into courtrooms and
Patients who express dissatisfaction with the services treated as criminals. It is a stark contrast to their morning
provided at public hospitals or health centers often resort routine of heading to work as HCWs and returning home
to violence against HCWs. HCWs are often the first in the evening, only to find police presence near their
point of confrontation, and due to the perceived lack of house, instilling horror within the household and fear in
consequences, assailants may readily offer apologies and the hearts of spouses and children. It is indeed a lamentable
seek forgiveness to avoid legal prosecution. Numerous situation.
factors contribute to violence in hospitals, either stemming People have become increasingly demanding, seemingly
from both patients and their companions or HCWs having recently realized the extent to which they were
themselves. Consequently, it is imperative that serious ignorant of their basic rights to dignity, access to quality

Volume 2 Issue 2 (2024) 4 https://doi.org/10.36922/ghes.2015