SAMA
Pretoria – The South African Medical Association (SAMA) has taken a firm stand by suspending all professional and bilateral relations with the Israeli Medical Association (IMA). In a bold move, SAMA has also called for the IMA to be barred from the World Medical Association (WMA) amid growing concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The association highlighted the IMA’s alleged failure to uphold international medical ethics and humanitarian duties as key reasons for the decision. SAMA stated that these measures will stay in place until the IMA publicly demands the release of detained Palestinian medical workers, condemns the destruction of Gaza’s healthcare system, speaks out against using starvation as a policy, and pushes to end the blockade on vital medical supplies. Additionally, SAMA urged the IMA to ensure proper medical care for everyone under Israeli control, including Palestinians in detention. This step underscores South Africa’s ongoing support for Palestinian rights and adds pressure on global medical bodies to act.
The announcement comes at a time when the conflict in Gaza has drawn sharp criticism worldwide for its impact on civilians and healthcare. With thousands of doctors and health workers affected, SAMA’s action aims to spotlight ethical lapses and push for change. As debates rage on medical neutrality in war zones, this could spark wider calls for accountability in international health circles.
Reasons Behind SAMA’s Suspension
SAMA’s board of directors reviewed its ties with the IMA and decided to cut them off immediately due to the dire situation in Gaza. The association pointed to the ongoing humanitarian emergency, where healthcare facilities have been devastated, leaving millions without basic medical aid. SAMA expressed deep worry over the IMA’s stance, accusing it of not doing enough to meet global ethical standards.
Key demands include the IMA taking verifiable steps to free Palestinian medical staff held without clear cause. SAMA also wants strong words against the targeted attacks on hospitals and clinics in Gaza, which have crippled the system. The use of starvation tactics and blocks on supplies like medicines and equipment came under fire too, with SAMA calling it a breach of humanitarian norms.
On top of that, SAMA stressed the need for equal medical treatment for all, especially those in Israeli custody, where reports of poor care have surfaced. These points show SAMA’s push for the IMA to align with core values like saving lives without bias.
Call for IMA’s Removal from WMA
In a strong escalation, SAMA has urged the WMA to suspend the IMA until it shows real change. This would cut the IMA off from a key global network that sets standards for doctors worldwide. SAMA believes this pressure could force the IMA to act and help ease the suffering in Gaza.
The WMA, which promotes ethical medical practice, has faced calls before to address conflicts, but this direct plea from SAMA adds weight from Africa. If heeded, it could lead to wider debates on how medical groups handle wars and human rights.
Broader Context of Gaza’s Healthcare Crisis
The Gaza situation has worsened over the past year, with bombings and blockades hitting health services hard. Thousands of medical workers have been killed or displaced, and hospitals lack basics like power and drugs. Groups like the World Health Organization have warned of a collapse, with diseases spreading due to poor conditions.
SAMA’s move echoes South Africa’s vocal support for Palestine, including legal steps at the International Court of Justice against alleged genocide. It joins a chorus of voices from doctors worldwide calling for ceasefires and aid access.
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