WMA Council adopts revised Statement on Medical Care for Migrants

The Council of the World Medical Association, meeting during its 232nd Council Session in Belgrade, has adopted a revised WMA Statement on Medical Care for Migrants, reaffirming that access to healthcare is a fundamental human right and that medical care must be provided on the basis of clinical need alone, without discrimination.

The revised policy underscores the growing vulnerability faced by many migrants worldwide, including refugees, asylum seekers, undocumented migrants and displaced persons, whose access to healthcare is often undermined by legal, social, economic or political barriers.

The statement highlights that fear and insecurity can prevent people from seeking urgently needed medical attention and can obstruct physicians in carrying out their professional and ethical duties. “No one should fear seeking medical care. Physicians must be able to care for patients free from intimidation or barriers,” said Dr Jacqueline Kitulu, WMA President.

As part of the revision, the WMA calls on governments to refrain from conducting immigration enforcement activities in and around hospitals, emergency rooms, and healthcare settings. The policy also urges governments to ensure safe living conditions, essential services and adequate healthcare resources for migrant populations.

The WMA further reaffirms that physicians must never be compelled to participate in punitive or judicial actions against migrants, nor to withhold medically necessary treatment. Physicians must be allowed adequate time, interpretation support and sufficient resources to assess and care for migrant patients appropriately.

By adopting this revised statement, the World Medical Association reiterates its longstanding commitment to medical ethics, human rights and the protection of equitable access to healthcare for every person, regardless of status or circumstance.

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