Attacks against doctors in Spain have reached a record high, with female doctors constituting nearly 64% of the incidents despite representing only 55% of the medical profession.
In 2025, medical professionals in Spain reported a total of 879 physical and verbal assaults by patients and their companions, according to a report released by the Organización Médica Colegial (OMC) in conjunction with the European Day Against Violence to Healthcare Professionals. This year marks the highest number of documented attacks in the 16-year history of the report, indicating a persistent and gradual increase in violence against doctors over the past decade, with a significant uptick noted after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tomás Cobo, president of the OMC, highlighted the worrying trend during the report's presentation in Madrid, emphasizing the disproportionate impact on female physicians, who suffer the majority of these attacks. With women making up 55% of all doctors yet facing 64% of the recorded assaults, the findings raise critical questions about the safety and well-being of healthcare workers in Spain. This issue is particularly alarming as incidents of violence have steadily increased, suggesting a potential crisis within healthcare environments.
The report's implications extend beyond immediate safety concerns, reflecting broader societal attitudes towards healthcare professionals, particularly women in the field. As the medical community grapples with this escalating violence, there is growing urgency for systemic changes to protect healthcare workers. The findings demand a more comprehensive response from authorities, including legal protections and awareness campaigns aimed at reducing this violence and ensuring the safety of those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.
