MHPU raises alarm over growing social media harassment of health workers after medical incidents

The Maldives Health Professionals Union (MHPU) has raised concern over the growing trend of health workers being insulted and harassed on social media, often accused of negligence whenever a medical incident occurs or an investigation is underway.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the union said health workers continue to serve in challenging environments across many hospitals in the Maldives.

MHPU highlighted several systemic difficulties faced by staff, including the limited number of professionals available to treat patients, the lack of essential facilities, and political influence in hospital operations and treatment‑related decision‑making.

The union noted that patients and families have every right to seek clarity on tragic incidents that occur during medical care.

“...The union believes that personal attacks and intimidation against any health worker, on social media or otherwise, before an impartial, independent investigation is completed, should not be seen in a civilized society,” the statement said.

ޞިއްޙީ ޚިދުމަތްތެރިންނަށް މީސްމީޑިއާގައި ފުރައްސާރަ އާއި ގަނާކުރާ މިންވަރު އިތުރުވަމުންދާ މައްސަލައިގައި ކަންބޮޑުވުން ފާޅުކުރުން#decentwork #qualitycare #safestaffing @MoHmv @geelaali @HomeMinistrymv @min_mohst @hrcmv @sunbrk @Mihaarunews @PoliceMv @AdhadhuMV @raajjemv @avasmv… pic.twitter.com/fCuZmONBOt

— Maldives Health Professionals Union (MHPU) (@MaldivesHPU) July 1, 2026

It added that in a small community like the Maldives, such attacks often extend beyond the individual health worker to their families and colleagues, creating wider social disruption.

MHPU also expressed concern that relevant institutions fail to disclose information in a timely manner when tragic incidents occur in the provision of health services. As a result, public dissatisfaction toward health workers has increased, and various forms of misinformation have spread.

At the same time, the union stressed that it is the responsibility of the Ministry of Health and all relevant agencies to independently investigate healthcare incidents, while ensuring the dignity and safety of health workers.

MHPU urged authorities to strengthen mechanisms that protect health workers from insults and abuse, stating that such measures are essential to safeguarding the rights of both patients and professionals, and maintaining public confidence in the country’s health system.

“The union also calls on the Ministry of Health and all healthcare institutions to ensure that clinical cases are independently investigated with special priority, and that accurate, two‑sided information is provided to the public in a timely manner,” the statement said.