Maldives Health Professionals Union Raises Concern Over Online Harassment of Health Workers
MHPU raises concern over social media harassment of healthcare workers | Photo: IGMH
The Maldives Health Professionals Union (MHPU) has expressed concern over what it describes as a growing trend of healthcare workers being subjected to insults and harassment on social media following medical incidents, often before official investigations have been completed.
In a statement issued yesterday, the union said healthcare professionals continue to work under challenging conditions across hospitals in the Maldives. It highlighted a number of systemic issues affecting the sector, including shortages of medical professionals, limited essential facilities and political influence over hospital operations and treatment-related decision-making.
advertisement
The union said patients and their families have the right to seek answers when serious incidents occur during medical care. However, it stressed that healthcare workers should not be subjected to personal attacks or intimidation before impartial and independent investigations have been concluded.
According to the MHPU, such incidents can have wider consequences in a small community like the Maldives, with abuse often extending beyond individual healthcare workers to affect their families and colleagues.
The union also raised concerns over delays by relevant authorities in releasing information following serious healthcare incidents. It said the lack of timely communication has contributed to growing public dissatisfaction with healthcare workers and the spread of misinformation.
The MHPU said it is the responsibility of the Ministry of Health and other relevant institutions to conduct independent investigations into healthcare incidents while ensuring the dignity and safety of healthcare workers throughout the process.
The union called for stronger mechanisms to protect healthcare workers from abuse and harassment, stating that such measures are necessary to safeguard the rights of both patients and medical professionals and to maintain public confidence in the country’s healthcare system.
It also urged the Ministry of Health and healthcare institutions to prioritise independent investigations into clinical cases and provide timely, accurate and balanced information to the public.
