The increasing violence in medical practices is becoming a significant concern in Germany, as reported by Andreas Gassen, head of the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians.

Gassen highlights a rise in both verbal and physical aggression from patients and their companions, not only in emergency rooms but also in regular medical practices.

This troubling trend is attributed to a small yet growing group of individuals who exhibit demanding and aggressive behavior, often accompanied by a misjudgment of their medical urgency.

Gassen calls for stricter and faster penalties to address this issue, emphasizing the need for legal reforms to extend protections to medical staff in practices, similar to those proposed for emergency responders.

Recent statistics reveal a 20% increase in violent incidents in medical facilities across Germany since 2019, with some regions experiencing even sharper rises.

The situation underscores the urgent need for measures to ensure the safety and well-being of healthcare professionals.