Man causes disturbance and damage at Girne Akçiçek Hospital for being kept waiting, Nurses and Midwives Union reacts

Girne, 17 May 2025 — A man who allegedly caused a disturbance at the emergency department of Akçiçek State Hospital in Girne and deliberately damaged hospital property has been remanded in police custody for two days.

The suspect, identified as Mehmet Gümüşaslan, 29, appeared before the Girne District Court on Sunday May 18 on charges of Intentional Damage, Causing Public Disturbance, and Disorderly Conduct. 

The incident took place around 12:30 PM on Saturday 17 May 2025.

Police officer who presented the case to the court, stated that the suspect, a resident of Karaoğlanoğlu, began shouting incoherently and behaving aggressively in the emergency room waiting area, reportedly upset over being left unattended while ill. 

Gümüşaslan allegedly waved his arms erratically, creating a public disturbance and engaging in behavior deemed inappropriate for a public setting.

According to the police report, the suspect then grabbed a 6-kilogram fire extinguisher and hurled it at the emergency room’s glass entrance door—measuring 1 by 2.5 meters—causing it to shatter. The fire extinguisher was seized as evidence, and Gümüşaslan was arrested at the scene.

The police noted that the investigation is still in its early stages, with multiple witness and victim statements yet to be collected. He argued that releasing the suspect at this time could jeopardize the investigation.

After reviewing the testimony, the judge ordered that the suspect remain in police custody for two days to allow the investigation to proceed.

The Cyprus Turkish Nurses and Midwives Union has issued a strong statement in response to the violent.

The union emphasized that this is neither the first nor will it be the last such incident if immediate and effective measures are not taken.

In a written statement issued today, the union expressed solidarity with the healthcare staff affected by the attack and extended well-wishes to the assaulted colleagues and all health workers at the facility.

Highlighting the growing risks faced by medical professionals, the union underlined that the security of healthcare personnel must be a top priority. The statement described the attack—carried out by an aggressive patient or relative—as a stark reminder of the dangers healthcare workers face while on duty.

“The fact that our colleagues were assaulted while performing their duties in a public service setting is a clear indication that urgent protective measures must be implemented,” the statement read. It further emphasized that ensuring the safety of all healthcare professionals falls squarely under the responsibility of the Ministry of Health and the government.

The union also criticized what it described as the ministry’s “anti-scientific practices” and authoritarian approach, warning that the systemic issues in the healthcare system are now producing dangerous consequences. "Must a healthcare worker die before action is taken in this dysfunctional system you’ve created?" the statement asked pointedly.

The Cyprus Turkish Nurses and Midwives Union concluded by affirming its commitment to following the case closely and continuing to advocate for the protection and well-being of healthcare professionals across the country.