Slovakia signs memorandum to protect healthcare workers after hospital attacks

The Slovak Ministries of Interior and Health have signed a memorandum of cooperation to enhance the protection of medical personnel. This move follows a series of violent incidents at hospitals in Bratislava, including a recent attack at Ružinov hospital where a 34-year-old man broke a healthcare worker's nose, and an earlier assault at Kramáre hospital where a nurse was struck and strangled.

In response to the rising aggression, police have increased patrols around emergency departments, including the deployment of gendarmerie units. Additionally, police prevention officers will begin training medical staff on how to react during escalated conflicts.

According to Police President Jana Maškarová, there have been 32 recorded attacks on healthcare workers in the last ten months, with 23 classified as criminal offenses. While incidents in the Banská Bystrica region often occur within medical facilities, attacks on rapid medical assistance crews are more prevalent in the Trenčín region.