20230104-WMA CPME Joint Statement on TMA

Joint Statement
International medical community calls for
autonomy of Turkish Medical Association to be safeguarded
The Standing Committee of European Doctors (CPME) and the World Medical Association (WMA)
are deeply concerned by the continuous harassment towards the Turkish Medical Association (TMA),
in particular through a proposedTurkish government bill undermining the representation of the medical
profession in Turkey, and threatening the autonomy and independence of TMA, and by the hearing to
be held on 10 January 2023 that aims to dismiss the eleven members of TMA’s Executive Council from
their duty.
TMA has been a trustworthy member of both our organizations for many years, recognized for its
commitment to serve public health interests, to protect patients and physicians with great respect of the
ethical values of the profession.
The delivery of healthcare by physicians is governed by ethical rules, professional norms as well as
national and international law. An autonomous medical profession allows the best delivery of healthcare
and, as is knowingly necessary, the best influence on public health. An independent representation of
the medical profession is paramount in the implementation of these unchallenged principles. It can
furthermore act as a unique voice of the civil society, fostering the democratic integrity of a country
and complementing the work of elected officials and administrators.
Hence, independent, autonomous and democratic national medical associations, such as the TMA
currently is, constitute indispensable overarching medical bodies fulfilling a crucial role not only for
the medical profession, but for patients, the healthcare system and the population as a whole.
The proposed Turkish government bill would have irreversible deteriorating impacts on the delivery of
quality healthcare to all patients and populations in Turkey. No physician could support such a bill
which goes against the well-being of people, at the expense of those whom a state law has the duty to
protect. This is simply irrational and unacceptable.
Rather than continuing threats, we strongly recommend considering TMA as an independent and
constructive partner in addressing public health priorities for the benefit of the Turkish population.
We will never stop supporting national medical associations around the world in their efforts to
consolidate the independent and democratic representation of the medical profession. We stand in
solidarity with our Turkish affiliate, as stated in the WMA Resolution in support of the Turkish Medical
Association and CPME’s endorsement of the Resolution.
The global medical community therefore calls on the Turkish authorities to immediately withdraw the
proposed bill, to unconditionally safeguard the autonomy and independence of the TMA and drop all
charges against its members.
9 January 2023