Collapse Of Health System Condemned By World Medical Association

The collapse of the public health care system in Nicaragua and the
breakdown of medical ethics and human rights in the country have been
condemned by the World Medical Association.

Referring to the rapidly deteriorating situation in the country, WMA
President Dr. Yoshitake Yokokura said that attacks on health workers,
medical vehicles and hospitals were unacceptable.

He went on: ‘The WMA supports the Inter-American Commission on Human
Rights in calling on the Nicaraguan Government to immediately end this
state of affairs.

‘Law and order have broken down, access to basic health care is being
curbed, autopsies are being interfered with and public hospitals and
clinics are turning away injured protesters. This cannot continue.

‘We have reports that hospitals are closing their gates to wounded
patients, that doctors and other health personnel are being pressurised not
to attend the wounded and that medical supplies are being restricted.

‘In addition, armed gangs last week destroyed two vehicles being used by
health workers to eliminate mosquitoes and fight diseases, such as dengue
and malaria.

‘There are even reports of doctors and medical students being kidnapped.

‘The Government of Nicaragua has a duty to end this clear violation of
human rights. It is their duty to ensure that basic health care is restored
without delay and that health care personnel and medical facilities are
protected.’

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