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Prescription Drugs

One in five doctors face workplace threats

The Sunday newspaper supplement Sunnuntaisuomalainen reports that 20% of medical doctors have at some time faced violence or threats of violence while working. Most commonly, these threats are made by young men with substance abuse problems in attempts to get prescription drugs.

Lääkäri paperipinkka kädessä.
Image: Tommi Parkkinen / Yle

The figure quoted in the report is a projection based on a survey by the Finish Medical Association first carried out eight years ago. In an interview with Sunnuntaisuomalainen, the association's Deputy CEO Risto Ihalainen says it is a growing problem for physicians.

Violent behaviour and threats most commonly are made by young male drug abusers pressuring doctors to provide them with prescription drugs such as tranquilizers and powerful painkillers.

Threatening doctors is not the only means used by substance abusers to obtain prescription drugs. Last year, 23 break-ins at pharmacies were reported in Finland.