Athens - The Federation of Hospital Doctors on Simos Seisidis

from From the Greek Streets

Monday, May 31, 2010
Resolution by the Federation of Hospital Doctors in Greece (OENGE)
on the conditions under which Simos Seisidis is hospitalized
The Federation of Hospital Doctors in Greece (OENGE) denounces the unrestrained violation of ethics –both medical and judicial – that is taking place during Simos Seisides’ hospitalization in a special ward at KAT hospital [in Athens]. It is unacceptable to provide medical treatment to the detainee under the constant supervision of police guards and, thus, to force doctors and nurses to violate openly the code of medical ethics. Moreover, the complaints that have been made are appalling and bring shame on our civilization – complaints which state that police guards take photographs of the detainee while his bullet wound is treated and his excrements are cleaned up, while they forbid he be treated by a hospital-appointed private nurse.
The Federation of Hospital Doctors in Greece (OENGE) calls the Ministers of Health, Justice and “Citizen Protection” to guarantee the self-evident rights of Seisidis, which should be respected regardless of the alleged charges against him – this should apply to all detainees whether they are hospitalized or not. We remind all interested parties that the Code of Medical Ethics – which is ratified by Greek law –, the Hippocratic Oath and the honor and dignity of both doctor and patient prevail against administrative or police orders. We invite attendant doctors to demand police forces respect the code of medical ethics fully and not to cooperate in its violation under any circumstances; in contrary, to immediately report relative incidents.
Athens, 28 May 2010