The AMA is today calling on the Government to urge foreign governments and authorities to protect and support doctors and nurses who are caring for people injured in armed conflict and unrest around the world.

AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, said today that the detention and charging of 47 health professionals in Bahrain has put the international spotlight back on the treatment of doctors and nurses who are simply doing their jobs in places of conflict.

The World Medical Association states that 'physicians have an ethical duty to care for their patients, and governments have a duty to ensure that appropriate conditions exist to allow them to do so'.

"Doctors have an ethical duty to treat individuals without discrimination," Dr Hambleton said.

"Doctors and nurses around the world are committed to saving lives and treating illness regardless of the race, color, creed or political affiliations of the individuals they treat.

"The primary duty and interest of doctors is to treat the sick and injured, regardless of any competing interests the doctor might have.

"Healing people and treating the injured is not an act of taking sides.

"Acting to preserve life is not a crime, but imprisoning or threatening doctors and nurses for their acts of humanity is an abuse of authority.

"The AMA applauds the courage and humanity of health professionals who work in the world's trouble spots, and we condemn the actions being taken against them by authorities in Bahrain and other countries.

"We call on the Australian Government to make representations on behalf of doctors and other health professionals who are fulfilling their professional obligations," Dr Hambleton said.

Source:
Australian Medical Association