The 220th WMA Council meeting was held in Paris, France (April 7-9) and was a hybrid meeting, attended in person by more than 150 participants and online by 70 participants, from 40 constituent members. The meeting agreed a number of proposals which will be forwarded to the WMA’s General Assembly in Berlin for adoption in October:
International Code of Medical Ethics
The meeting received an update on the revision of the International Code of Medical Ethics, including dates for further conferences to discuss the current draft. The Council approved the work so far, with plans for the final document to be adopted by the General Assembly in October.
Racism in Medicine
A proposed Declaration on Racism in Medicine was discussed and approved for adoption at the Assembly.
Discrimination against Elderly Individuals within Healthcare Settings
A proposed Declaration on Discrimination against Elderly Individuals within Healthcare Settings was debated, with recommendations for governments and the medical profession to eradicate all forms of discrimination due to health and age. The document was approved for adoption at the Assembly.
The Protection and Integrity of Medical Personnel in Armed Conflicts
A major revision to the WMA Statement on the Protection and Integrity of Medical Personnel in Armed Conflicts and Other Situations of Violence was submitted. This condemns in the strongest terms the scourge of violence against healthcare personnel and facilities. The Statement was approved for adoption at the Assembly.
Physicians Treating Relatives
Debate continued on a proposed Statement on Physicians Treating Relatives. The Council approved a number of amendments and agreed that the document should be sent to the General Assembly for adoption.
Other proposals to be sent to the Assembly for adoption include policies on Telehealth, Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety, Social Media and Health Hazards of Tobacco Products.
A press release was issued on the WMA Council Resolution in support of Medical Personnel and Citizens of Ukraine in the face of the Russian invasion.
Elections
Dr Jean-François Rault, CNOM (France), was elected Chair of the Socio-Medical Affairs Committee.
General Assembly
The WMA’s next Council meeting and annual General Assembly will be held in Berlin, Germany from October 5-8.
