The World Medical Association (WMA) has strongly denounced the recent violence during protests in Kenya, echoing the concerns raised by the Kenya Medical Association.
Dr. Lujain AlQodmani, President of the WMA, emphasized the critical need for medical personnel and ambulances to have unrestricted access to assist all those injured, irrespective of their affiliations.
In a statement, Dr AlQodmani asserted, “Doctors and healthcare professionals must be allowed to treat wounded individuals without obstruction, whether they are protestors or government supporters. It is unacceptable to hinder medical care in any circumstance.”
The WMA has called on the Kenyan government to ensure the safety and respect of medical personnel as they fulfil their duties amidst challenging conditions. Dr. AlQodmani stressed the ethical imperative of medical neutrality, emphasizing that healthcare providers must be protected from intimidation or punishment.
“Reports of healthcare personnel being abducted are deeply alarming,” she continued. “Any detained healthcare professionals should be released immediately. Providing emergency medical assistance is a humanitarian obligation that must be upheld.”
Dr. AlQodmani concluded by expressing solidarity with Kenyan colleagues and reaffirming the WMA’s commitment to delivering impartial healthcare services to all Kenyans.
