Hospital employees hold strike after video surfaces of governmental hospital director attacking female employee

BEIRUT — The Nurses Syndicate in Lebanon denounced Thursday what appeared to be a physical attack on a female hospital employee by the director of Bint Jbeil’s governmental hospital.

Here’s what we know:

    • In a statement, the syndicate condemned the incident that took place yesterday, describing it as “unacceptable.” The statement also said that the assault “should not go unpunished because it would otherwise constitute an unethical violation for all workers in the nursing profession in a time when they are demanding their rights, which should be respected and enshrined, especially in the governmental hospitals.”

    • A video circulating on social media yesterday showed a hospital employee being smacked by the director of Bint Jbeil’s governmental hospital. Yesterday, the Health Ministry said it will investigate the matter and "those concerned were summoned for questioning."

    • Earlier today, the Health Ministry announced that after listening to the parties involved in the fight, it has "decided to transfer the file to the Central Inspection to take the proper measures." The Central Inspection oversees and inspects various public administrations, institutions and municipalities.

    • L’Orient Today’s correspondents reported on a one-hour strike that took place today , in a sign of solidarity, in several governmental hospitals including in Saida and Baalbeck. The strike was in compliance with yesterday’s invitation by the union of government hospital employees.