26 August 2011
Since the outbreak of civil unrest in Bahrain in February 2011, the BMA has been taking action to promote medical impartiality and immunity there.
The BMA has expressed serious concern in letters to the Bahraini Government sent in August, as the trial of 20 healthcare workers before a military court is due to resume on 28 August
26 August 2011
Since the outbreak of civil unrest in Bahrain in February 2011, the BMA has been taking action to promote medical impartiality and immunity there.
The BMA has expressed serious concern in letters to the Bahraini Government sent in August, as the trial of 20 healthcare workers before a military court is due to resume on 28 August
Read our latest letters
Letter writing campaign
The BMA first wrote to the Government of Bahrain in March 2011. This and subsequent letters have expressed the BMA’s profound concerns at attacks on health professionals and other breaches of medical neutrality.
Following the criminal charges brought against healthcare workers, and allegations of torture and ill-treatment used against those detained, we have implored the Bahrain Government to recognise international standards in human rights and medical ethics, and called for an immediate, independent, thorough investigation into the allegations.
In letters to the UK Foreign Secretary, William Hague, the BMA has urged those with influence in Bahrain to help.
Download PDF copies of the letters on bma.org.uk
Annual Representative Meeting (ARM) debate
The criminal prosecution of medics in Bahrain prompted a policy debate at the 2011 ARM in June.
The motion up for debate, which was passed by an overwhelming majority, reiterated the fundamental duty of doctors to treat patients according to medical need without discrimination of any kind; insisted that political or judicial interference in this duty is totally unacceptable; and condemned any persecution of healthcare staff for fulfilling this duty.
The BMA is continuing to monitor the plight of medical workers, including those on trial, and of individuals requiring medical treatment in Bahrain.
Letter on the Guardian , 28 August 2011
The trial of 20 Bahraini health workers was due to resume on 28 August before a military court, despite assurances from the king of Bahrain that future hearings would be before a civilian court (Bahrain’s underclass plays out cat-and-mouse routine of protest and repression, 9 August). A further 28 health professionals are also facing criminal charges. All are charged with felonies or misdemeanours and appear to have been brought to trial solely because they have fulfilled their fundamental ethical undertaking to treat patients according to medical need without discrimination of any kind.
Political or judicial interference in this central duty of the medical profession is totally unacceptable. The BMA is also deeply concerned by reports indicating that the proceedings of the military National Safety Court of First Instance do not meet international standards for a fair trial. Events in the Middle East are a reminder that healthcare workers will always be needed in situations of civil unrest, whatever the political background to the conflict. Healthcare professionals are committed to the deepest humanitarian values that transcend factional interests and political differences. A respect for mediçcal neutrality in times of conflict is of the most profound importance.
Professor Vivienne Nathanson
Director of professional activities, British Medical Association