Taipei: Taiwan should consider establishing "intoxication observation units" in emergency rooms, as incidents of violence against medical staff reached a five-year high in 2024, Deputy Health Minister Lin Ching-yi said recently.

According to Focus Taiwan, statistics released by the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) show a total of 1,668 cases of medical violence were reported between 2020 and 2024, with annual cases recorded as 300, 330, 264, 330, and 444 respectively. Although the data did not specify how many incidents involved intoxicated individuals, Lin highlighted in an interview with CNA that these cases pose significant challenges for medical professionals.

Lin proposed the idea of placing intoxicated patients in designated observation areas within hospitals. This would enable medical staff to monitor their condition and allow time for the individuals to sober up, thereby reducing potential violence.

"It is really bizarre that people who are intoxicated are still being sent to hospitals," Lin remarked, emphasizing that hospitals should not have to address all societal issues.

The data further revealed that out of the 1,668 reported cases, 800 occurred in emergency rooms, 361 in general wards, and 179 in outpatient clinics. Verbal violence, including shouting, verbal abuse, and threats, was the most common form of violence, accounting for 806 cases, while physical violence accounted for 501 cases.

Health care professionals were the primary victims, with 1,377 cases, while security personnel were the second most affected group, with 93 incidents reported, as per MOHW statistics.

Lin noted that the increase in reported cases might indicate a changing mindset among medical professionals. Previously, there was an emphasis on maintaining harmony, but now there is a stronger inclination to report incidents and pursue legal action.

Amendments to the Medical Care Act have clarified the definition of medical violence and heightened penalties for offenders, contributing to society's growing acknowledgment that violence in medical settings is unacceptable.

Historically, judges have often considered the actions of patients or their family members as "justifiable," allowing offenders to escape significant penalties, Lin noted.

Lin also discussed general measures to prevent medical violence. Besides improving procedures for handling intoxicated patients, she advocated for building consensus within the legal community to enforce zero tolerance for violence in medical environments and for providing comprehensive legal and psychological support to victims.