Junta de Andalucía prepares serious fines as attacks on healthcare workers rise

In Andalucía, healthcare workers are facing an escalating threat of violence, prompting the Junta de Andalucía to propose serious consequences for those committing such acts. If passed, the new legislation could result in administrative fines of up to €60,000 for individuals who physically or verbally assault healthcare professionals. The proposal, expected to be presented to Parliament by the end of 2026, aims to address the rising number of incidents involving doctors, nurses, and other health staff.

Seville, Málaga, and Cádiz have recorded the highest number of incidents, totaling 1,976 recorded aggressions against healthcare workers in 2025. Of those, 387 were physical attacks, while 1,589 were classified as non-physical, including insults, threats, and harassment. The issue is not limited to primary care facilities; it spans across all health centers and hospitals across the region.

The Junta de Andalucía plans to create an administrative sanctioning system to protect healthcare professionals, with fines potentially reaching €60,000. The legislation would also allow for the removal of aggressors from the health centers or hospitals where the attacks occurred. Additionally, it would provide legal assistance for healthcare workers reporting incidents, including measures to protect their identities.

While security measures, such as cameras, alarms, and de-escalation training, are already in place, the government is proposing a legal response to address repeat offenders and online harassment. The proposed rules aim to send a clear message that threatening or attacking healthcare workers will not be tolerated, emphasizing the importance of providing safe care to patients.