WHPA is formed from five global federations of healthcare membership organisations representing doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, and physiotherapists. Just as the PDA is a member of the pharmacists’ global federation, the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), other UK organisations that independently represent health professionals here are also part of their equivalent global bodies.
The British Medical Association (BMA) are members of the World Medical Association, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) are members of the International Council of Nurses, the British Dental Association (BDA) are members of the World Dental Federation, and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) are members of World Physiotherapy.
Through these global bodies, each profession can influence world-level matters that impact upon professional colleagues in the UK and elsewhere. The Chief Executive of FIP, Catherine Duggan, is also currently the Chair of the WHPA.
The PDA supports the letter and calls upon all national governments and international institutions to ensure international law is respected to keep health professionals, and their patients, safe.
The WHPA letter
We, the undersigned healthcare professionals from across the globe, unite in expressing our grave concern and unwavering condemnation of the escalating violence targeting healthcare facilities and personnel in various regions worldwide. In areas of conflict, while health professionals may find themselves providing care to people affected on opposing sides, our commitment remains to our patients — those who are ill, wounded, and in dire need.
As advocates for universal health coverage irrespective of political affiliations or beliefs, we staunchly advocate for the complete respect of neutrality in health care provision. Safeguarding healthcare facilities and personnel from any harm is not just a moral imperative but a legal obligation enshrined in international humanitarian law (IHL). Adherence to IHL mandates the active protection of healthcare facilities and personnel, strictly prohibiting their targeting.
The Geneva Conventions serve as a cornerstone in offering protection to those affected by armed conflicts. These conventions prohibit the killing and ill-treatment of civilians, demand humane treatment for the wounded and sick, and underscore the respectful and protected handling of detainees.
Furthermore, they require the preservation of civilian infrastructure, such as electricity and water networks, and ensure civilians’ access to vital necessities, including health care. Any misuse of healthcare facilities and ambulances for military purposes is both prohibited and utterly unacceptable.
Placing healthcare facilities and personnel in the line of fire during conflicts is not only unacceptable but also unjustifiable. Hospitals, ambulances, and health workers must never be targeted. Let us remember that healthcare professionals dedicate themselves to treating the injured and unwell without bias and with absolute neutrality. We are bound by our codes of ethics to do so, despite risks to our personal safety. This fundamental humanitarian duty demands a minimum of respect, honesty, and peace. Hence, we call upon all parties involved in conflicts to unconditionally uphold all aspects of humanitarian law.
Sincerely,
Dr Catherine Duggan, WHPA Chair and CEO of International Pharmaceutical Federation, signing for the five WHPA member organizations
The PDA has already formally supported this letter and those who are also part of another organisation and would like to add further support, or to support as an individual, can do that here.
Learn more
- PDA releases statement on the Israel/Gaza conflict
- FIP statement on the Israel-Gaza conflict
- PDA joins International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP)
- PDA shares 2023 review from FIP
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