Khaberni - The Egyptian authorities have referred a doctor working at Dahab Hospital in South Sinai for investigation, following the spread of a video that sparked widespread controversy on social media.
A severe verbal altercation
The incident started with a video circulating that documented a severe verbal altercation between the doctor and one of the patients inside the hospital, ending with the doctor making an inappropriate gesture towards the patient, which was considered by observers as behavior not compatible with professional ethics.
The video also ignited a state of anger, prompting the South Sinai Health Directorate to act quickly and open an urgent investigation to uncover the details of the incident and take the necessary legal and administrative measures.
Another version of the incident
On the other hand, an alternative narrative emerged suggesting that the video does not reflect the full picture, as sources reported that the doctor was subjected to verbal provocation and psychological assault during her work, amid work pressure that lasted for about 24 continuous hours.
Egyptian police elements
Dr. Gamal Omira, deputy head of the General Syndicate of Physicians, said that the available information indicates that the patient stormed into the reception area while the doctor was attending to emergency cases, and demanded sharply that her blood pressure be taken and immediate treatment be provided.
He added that the doctor asked the patient to wait until the critical cases were handled, but the latter initiated by using offensive and humiliating words, before starting to record the doctor using her mobile phone.
Legal investigations
Despite the union's confirmation that the gesture made by the doctor was "unacceptable and cannot be justified," Omira emphasized the need to view the incident in its full context, noting the increasing phenomenon of verbal assaults on doctors and their filming without permission inside emergency departments.
He mentioned that the investigating authorities and the administrative prosecution would proceed to extract security camera footage and listen to witnesses to accurately determine responsibilities.
In this regard, the Health Affairs Directorate decided to refer the doctor for investigation.
Meanwhile, the hospital administration and the medical syndicate filed an official report against the patient, accusing her of verbal assault, filming without permission, and defamation of the medical facility’s staff.
