Attacks on healthcare: World Medical Association issues new declaration on “medical neutrality”

Health professionals must be protected from attacks in times of conflict, the World Medical Association (WMA) has reaffirmed in a declaration1 adopted at its general assembly on 10 October.Known as the Declaration of Rotterdam, the statement calls on states and armed groups to protect medical workers, patients, and healthcare infrastructure during war. It also reiterates that doctors and other healthcare professionals have a duty to provide impartial care to all patients, regardless of their roles in a conflict, and must not participate in military operations.The WMA president, Jung Yul Park, said, “The principles of medical ethics do not change in times of war. Physicians must be free to treat patients regardless of their role in the conflict, without fear of sanctions, intimidation, or interference.”Healthcare facilities are protected under international humanitarian law,2 but attacks on medical staff and infrastructure have risen markedly in the past six years.3 Reporting by The BMJ…