A physician at the Fortuna permanent care post (PAC) was violently assaulted this morning by relatives accompanying a patient seeking treatment at the health center. The doctor faced threats from the group, then additional family members returned later with more supplies and weapons, and the assault culminated in a beating. The medic required urgent transport and care at Morales Meseguer Hospital in Murcia.
The Ministry of Health was reminded that the Murcian Health Service (SMS) follows a formal protocol, and authorities confirmed that hospitalization was not deemed necessary for the victim in this specific incident. Nevertheless, they expressed regret over such events and pledged ongoing legal assistance for victims of aggression while cooperating with security forces to investigate and address the situation.
Fortuna health center operates as a PAC that prioritizes afternoon and evening emergencies, while continuing to provide daytime services from a family doctor and a pediatrician. This structure ensures continuous access to primary care for the local community, even as safety concerns arise.
María José Campillo, spokesperson for the Cesme Medical Association and a resident of the Region of Murcia, stated that four members of the same family threatened the on-duty doctor at night. When Local Police arrived, the individuals left and later returned with additional relatives to resume the assault, targeting not only the doctor but also other staff members including a technician, a nurse, and a security guard.
As a medical union, Campillo condemned the attack in strong terms and expressed solidarity with the assaulted colleague and the rest of the staff who were harmed. She underscored that such acts cannot become routine and called for decisive action to prevent a recurrence, stressing the urgent need for accountability and safety in the workplace.
Soledad Guillén, a member of the board, highlighted the Doctors College’s calls for accountability. She urged the administration to impose severe penalties on aggressors and to act decisively so violence against healthcare workers does not escalate. Guillén advocated for strict enforcement of the Criminal Code provisions and reinforced the expectation that authorities address the root causes of these attacks with clear consequences.
The Ministry of Health reaffirmed that SMS personnel are a foundational pillar of health care and the well-being of the public. It asserted that violence against healthcare workers cannot be excused and appealed to every citizen’s conscience to support professionals in performing their duties under safe conditions, free from fear and intimidation and with minimal disruption to patient care.
It was noted that the SMS has spent more than 15 years reducing violence in public health facilities, aiming to safeguard both professionals and patients. Measures have included security enhancements, vigilance protocols, and the installation of cameras in high-conflict centers. Primary Care consultations, clinics, and mental health centers now operate with integrated safety features, including panic buttons for frontline staff and patients alike.
To further curb such incidents, the Ministry launched a campaign titled “Look At Me” to raise awareness about attacks on health and non-health workers. The campaign features audiovisual messages projected in waiting rooms of clinics and hospitals, accompanied by a training plan and courses designed to prevent these cases and improve staff readiness in crisis situations.
Response from the College of Physicians of the Region of Murcia
The College of Physicians in the Region of Murcia issued a forceful condemnation of the aggression against Fortuna PAC personnel who were attacked by a group accompanying a patient. The college reiterated that legal services remain available to doctors who were assaulted and urged the Administration to implement necessary measures to prevent such incidents from recurring, ensuring protection for medical staff and the patients they serve.
The College extended full support to the affected colleagues and to anyone who has experienced violence in the course of their professional duties. Attacks against healthcare workers remain a pressing concern with no simple solution, and the institution called for sustained commitments from authorities to uphold safety standards and protect those who care for the community.