Like many others, we at the Israeli Medical Association (IMA) have read the letter published recently in the media from a doctor working in the Sdei Teiman field hospital. The letter describes the harsh conditions under which the doctors are working and raises questions about ethical conduct in the facility.
We recognize that the doctors in Sdei Teiman are working in extremely difficult conditions due to the unique security issues that arise there. We appreciate the fact that this is a very difficult task and sometimes comes at great personal cost.
Nonetheless the IMA wishes to clarify that we and our physicians are committed to holding the highest ethical standards. Primary among these is the WMA International Code of Medical Ethics, which states that "the physician must provide care with the utmost respect for human life and dignity, and for the autonomy and rights of the patient.”
Certain codes deal specifically with a situation of prisoners and detainees. The WMA Statement in Times of Armed Conflict and other Situations of Violence mandates that "During times of armed conflict and other situations of violence, the ethical standards of the medical profession apply as in times of peace. The professional duty to treat people with humanity and respect applies to all patients. The physician must always act in accordance with medical neutrality and give the necessary care impartially and without discrimination." The WMA Declaration of Edinburgh on Prison Conditions and the Spread of Communicable Diseases adds that "Persons deprived of liberty (“prisoners”) should receive the same standard of health care as people outside prisons.” and that physicians should be encouraged " to report and document any deficiency in health care provision, leading to ill treatments of persons deprived of liberty."
Finally, the Declarations of Hamburg and Tokyo prohibit the participation or condoning of the use of torture or cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment, regardless of the offense of the prisoner.
We continue to call on our physicians to act in accordance with these and other Codes and Conventions in their care for all patients.