06112023-Joint letter CPME-WMA-Support to TMA

OPEN LETTER
Mr Recep Tayip Erdogan, President of Republic of Turkiye (contact@tccb.gov.tr)
Mr Yilmaz Tunc, Ministry of Justice (info@adalet.gov.tr)
Dr. Fahrettin Koca, Ministry of Health (ozelburo@saglik.gov.tr)
Mr Mehmet Simsek, Ministry of Treasury and Finance (ozelburo@hmb.gov.tr)
Mr Ali Yerlikaya, Ministry of Interior (via bakanyrd.bturan@icisleri.gov.tr)
6 November 2023
Your Excellency,
Re: Hearing of Turkish Medical Association on 10 November 2023
We are writing to you on behalf of the World Medical Association (WMA) and the Standing Committee of
European Doctors (CPME), representing together millions of physicians in Europe and across the world with
the shared professional commitment to medical ethics, human rights and peace.
We have already drawn your attention to the proceedings under way against the Turkish Medical Association
(TMA) that aims to dismiss the eleven members of its Executive Council from their elective functions on
charge of terrorist propaganda. The next hearing is scheduled on the 10th
of November.
TMA has been a trustworthy member of our organizations for many years, recognized for its commitment to
serve public health interests, to protect patients and physicians with great respect of the ethical values of the
profession. Charging our Turkish colleagues with conducting activities promoting the use of violence is
incongruous and unfounded. We witness the integrity and loyalty of TMA and its representatives and consider
that these allegations are an insult to the entire medical profession.
Rather than continuing threats, we strongly recommend considering TMA as an independent and constructive
partner in addressing public health priorities for the benefit of the Turkish population. The delivery of
healthcare by physicians is governed by ethical rules, professional norms as well as national and international
law. A self-governing medical profession is vital for optimal healthcare delivery and the greatest impact on
public health.
We therefore urge the Turkish authorities to take the required measures so that all charges against the Turkish
Medical Association and its members are immediately dropped and to safeguard its autonomy as an
indispensable overarching medical body fulfilling a crucial role not only for the medical profession, but for
patients, the healthcare system and the population as a whole.
Your sincerely,
Dr. Lujain Al-Qodmani Dr Christiaan Keijzer
WMA President CPME President