(4 August, 2025) In July, a disturbing incident in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, highlighted the growing threat of violence against health workers in the region. After a doctor asked the noisy relatives of a patient to calm down, he was physically attacked. Rather than the perpetrators being detained, it was the doctor who was taken into custody by police. The attackers filed a counterclaim accusing the physician of verbal abuse, and a court sentenced the assaulted doctor to three days of administrative arrest.
The Independent Trade Union of Health Workers of Kyrgyzstan, led by Bermet Baryktabasova, responded immediately. She publicly condemned
the incident, stating that the decision to detain a medical professional who was simply doing his job sets a dangerous precedent and deepens the climate of fear in healthcare facilities.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also expressed concern. In a public statement, WHO stressed that third-party violence in healthcare settings is one of the most serious threats to the sustainability of any health system. It leads to staff burnout and contributes to the shortage of medical personnel – both key issues monitored by WHO.
Both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kyrgyzstan responded positively, with the Health Minister publicly pledging support for medical workers and announcing the need for a joint legislative initiative to protect them. Some members of parliament have also stated their intention to work on the criminalisation of violence against healthcare workers.
Kyrgyzstan ratified ILO Convention No. 190 on the elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work in 2024. The country should now accelerate efforts to fully integrate this Convention into national legislation.
EPSU stands in solidarity with Kyrgyz medical workers and reminds all social partners that solutions already exist.
Several EU sectoral social partners, led by EPSU, recently negotiated and signed revised multisectoral Guidelines to Prevent and Tackle Third-Party Violence and Harassment Related to Work (TPVH). Developed together with health worker unions and employers’ representatives, the guidelines outline four key principles:
- Better risk identification – using OSH risk assessments to map threats and inform prevention.
- Clear reporting procedures – safe, confidential channels for workers to report incidents while preserving anonymity.
- Support for victims – access to services that help affected staff cope with trauma and return to work safely.
- Training and awareness – equipping employers and workers to recognise, prevent, and respond to violence, fostering a workplace culture of zero tolerance.
These practical steps offer a roadmap for governments and healthcare institutions to act – but social dialogue is essential. EPSU calls for stronger social dialogue in Kyrgyzstan and across the region to ensure the safety, dignity, and rights of all healthcare workers are fully protected.
