Health Personnel in Myanmar Must Be Protected says WMA

A call for health personnel and facilities to be protected in Myanmar has come from the World Medical Association. Physician leaders say they are seriously disturbed by reports of attacks on health personnel, including seven deaths, two kidnappings and more than 20 injured.

At its online Council meeting this week, WMA delegates issued a strong statement of support for medical personnel involved in the Myanmar protests

In an emergency resolution, the WMA called for an urgent end to all attacks on health personnel to allow them to provide adequate healthcare. It also wants action from the Myanmar security forces to guarantee the physical and psychological integrity of those health personnel who have been arrested and their immediate release

Dr. David Barbe, President of the WMA, said: ‘All acts of harassment, intimidation and killing against physicians and other healthcare personnel must immediately be halted by the Myanmar security forces. And they should ensure in all circumstances respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms’.