Protecting Access to Medical Care in Syria
The AMA congratulates the Government on its efforts to bring forward a plan to protect and respect access to hospitals and medical care in Syria, which is under constant threat of disruption during the ongoing conflict there.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Bob Carr, said today that Australia would be seeking international support for this humanitarian goal.
According to the Minister’s statement, this plan would involve securing a commitment from all sides:
- Not to block medical personnel;
- Not to block access to doctors, hospitals, or emergency care; and
- Not to attack medical facilities.
AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, said that doctors have a duty to care for the sick and injured, even under threat, and regardless of the individual's creed, ethnic origin, nationality, or political affiliation.
“For doctors, the health of patients is the first priority,” Dr Hambleton said.
“Individual doctors must have the freedom to exercise their professional judgement in the care and treatment of their patients without undue influence by outside parties or individuals.
“This care should not be impeded or seen as any offence.
“Doctors and others should not be prosecuted or punished for complying with their ethical obligations.
“It is important that people affected by war, conflict and unrest in any part of the world have access to medical care and treatment, and that all medical and health professionals be allowed to carry out their work,” Dr Hambleton said.
As a member of the World Medical Association, the AMA strongly advocates that Governments, armed forces, and others in positions of power should comply with the Geneva Conventions to ensure that doctors and other health care professionals can provide care to everyone in need during times of conflict.
They must receive protection to do so, and doctors must be granted access to patients, facilities, and equipment.
