Assaulting doctors could soon lead to lengthy prison sentences in Kazakhstan
Assault and threats against health professionals in Kazakhstan may soon carry prison sentences of up to 15 years. The Ministry of Healthcare has initiated a new article to the Criminal Code, according to Health Minister Akmaral Alnazarova.
As she noted, it is planned to introduce Article 158-1 to the code, which will establish various levels of punishment depending on the nature and circumstances of the offense:
- A threat of assault, if confirmed, may result in a restriction of freedom for up to two years;
- Actual assault against one health professional will carry a penalty of two to seven years in prison;
- If the crime is committed during a state of emergency, the sentence could extend to 10 years;
- Threats or assault against multiple health workers simultaneously may result in up to 15 years.
«These measures are sufficient to protect our healthcare professionals, and in September they will be presented before parliament,» Alnazarova emphasized during the cabinet’s press conference.
Kursiv.media previously reported that President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev endorsed tougher punishment for assault and acts of cruelty against health professionals. He instructed the cabinet to draft corresponding legislative amendments in conjunction with civil society representatives to submit them before the parliament for discussion.
On July 23, during a government meeting, Alnazarova said that assaults against medical professionals would be treated on par with offenses against law enforcement officers.
Recently, several cases of violence against health professionals were reported in Kazakhstan. Alnazarova made an emotional appeal on social media, urging citizens to stop the cruelty against medical workers.
On July 17, a surgeon working at a hospital in Kostanay was assaulted by a patient waiting in line. The doctor was punched and lost consciousness after returning to the admission ward following surgery to receive patients. He was in critical condition and required emergency transportation to Astana.
