Three months after the revolution, the security situation in the streets is improving, but so far does not live up to public expectation. The biggest problem, however, is thuggery in government-run hospitals; medical staff and patients get intimidated and threatened by thugs. The police have not yet returned in full force and are unable to maintain security in hospitals. Six hospitals have reportedly stopped admitting emergencies, owing to daily feuds erupting between doctors, nurses and relatives of patients armed with knives and guns. They spread panic and prevent doctors from doing their jobs. Such restrictions have serious consequences. The problem needs to be given utmost priority, not only by the Interior Ministry, but also by the Armed Forces. The fact is that intensive care units are overloaded, and relatives of emergency patients who need to be admitted refuse to take no for an answer. Some have gone as far as forcefully removing patients from their hospital beds to create a space for their own ill relatives. They also refuse to fill in admission forms and threaten doctors with machetes, should they not offer immediate help. The escape of recidivists from prisons has been wreaking havoc in society, but the matter has even more serious ramifications in a place that is expected to save lives. Frequent attacks on public hospitals also causes financial loss due to damage of equipment and furniture. The Doctors' Association and hospital administrations are urging the Interior Ministry to guarantee adequate protection. Unless this problem is solved, medical services are apt to go completely to pieces.
