BANGKOK, Feb 19 (TNA) – Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) has pledged to pursue the strongest possible legal action against a man who physically assaulted a nurse at Rayong Hospital.
The hospital director met with public health officials this morning to confirm they will pursue full legal action, as the nurse remains traumatized and suffers from severe eardrum inflammation.
The assault occurred on February 16 when a male relative of a patient became enraged after a nurse advised against bringing young children into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The patient, the relative’s mother-in-law, was being treated for severe influenza A with lung complications. The nurse, concerned about the risk of infection for the children, prohibited their entry.
Despite the restriction, the relative’s wife later attempted to bring a child into the ICU. When the nurse reiterated the prohibition, the wife informed her husband, who then confronted the nurse and slapped her face multiple times.
The MOPH and Rayong Hospital Director have affirmed their commitment to ensuring justice for the nurse. They emphasized the need to send a strong message that violence against healthcare professionals will not be tolerated.
The nurse is reportedly suffering from significant emotional trauma and physical injuries, including facial bruising and severe inflammation of the eardrum. She is currently receiving medical treatment and psychological support.
Police have issued a summons for the 46-year-old assailant, who faces charges of assault and attacking an official on duty. -819 (TNA)
