World Medical Association deplores breakdown in Hong Kong medical care

The reported breakdown of medical care and humanitarian assistance for protesters in Hong Kong have been deplored by the World Medical Association.

With reports of physicians and other medical staff being arrested, and injured students and protesters being denied medical assistance, the WMA demands that the Hong Kong authorities respect human rights and do not to violate the spirit of the Geneva Conventions.

WMA President Dr. Miguel Jorge said: ‘Medical personnel must be protected at all times no matter what the situation. The lives of physicians, nurses and paramedics are at risk in the escalating violence. The world cannot tolerate this breakdown of medical care and we would urge the Hong Kong authorities to restore humanitarian assistance and allow physicians, nurses and paramedics to care for all those caught up in the violence without interference by the police.’