The Cutting Edge

Doctors, nurses and other staff members went on strike at thirty-three public hospitals in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on August 9-10 for 24-hours to voice their demand for better protection from crime and violence, according to the head of the physicians' association.

The walkout was the result of a violent incident in which family members of a patient who had died stormed the hospital and attacked doctors and other medical staff. The departed, an unidentified young pregnant patient, Jennifer Farias, died three days after giving birth at Santojanni Hospital in Buenos Aires on July 18.

Several of the deceased patient's relatives and friends then attacked and beat hospital staff members, directors and top administrators. The attackers also alleged destroyed expensive equipment and medical facilities.

The director of the local association representing doctors, Jorge Gilardi, told reporters this latest attack was only the "tip of the iceberg of a series of incidents that have taken place in recent years at public hospitals."

"Doctors have a right to be worried," said Buenos Aires Mayor Mauricio Macri, echoing the complaint that the government has ignored security in hospitals and in city schools.

Jim Kouri writes for The Examiner, from where this article is adapted.