Medicine, Morality and the Refugee Crisis

Dear Editor,

It is with a very heavy heart that countless doctors across the globe are watching the current refugee crisis. Regardless of race, religion or political affiliation, the burden of this public/global health crisis is affecting one and all. My letter is an avenue of allowing debate amongst the global medical community to ponder upon our moral responsibilities. Surely this is a potential life-and-death issue, especially of the paediatric population. Should we separate our private social media lives from our professional ones? Is there a covenantal relationship between a doctor and the rest of the world in general or just the patient who walks in our workplace door? I feel it is the former, and in our heart of hearts I know others feel the same.

Doctors have often risen to the occasion in many crises, be it through a charitable organisation on the ground or through donations. Is it our ethical responsibility as well to uphold the principles and comment on the prevailing attack on beneficence, non-maleficence, justice and autonomy? With socio-political tensions often clouding the sustainability of many global health initiatives and non-profit organisations not wishing to be seen colluding with villains, frequently it is the poor masses of humanity that suffer. Whilst doctors in many nations have urged their governments to respond adequately to the Syrian refugee crisis, in particular over the last few days, is it a moral responsibility of our community at large to uphold the very premise by which we practise: primum non nocere? If thousands of people are dying in their quest for security and sanctity, should physicians not show solidarity to their cause in a non-political humanitarian way and come forward to actually achieve an end to this mass destruction of society through a man-made crisis? Surely doctors have a moral higher ground in the path of political genocide and the manner in which humans are treated. Relying on politics and governments does not separate us from the defining characteristic that all physicians are obliged to observe: that of guardians of health and the prosperity of people. Our forefathers were philosophers first, then physicians. This points to a morally esteemed position and one of great responsibility. There must be a way that physicians as a community can stop war, gun violence and the present refugee crisis where humans are turning away others whilst watching them die on their shores. These are desperate people struggling to save the lives of their children, not opportunists trying to abuse the welfare of wealthy nations. Physicians have a moral duty to speak up against this injustice and violation of basic human rights.

Thank you.

Shahla Siddiqui