A recent controversy in Togo has sparked concerns about the medical profession's commitment to patient care. On September 12, Gnimdéwa Atakpama, a writer and essayist, wrote an open letter to the President of the Togolese National Medical Council, Pr Anthony Kadanga Beketi. Atakpama requested that the council publicly reaffirm the fundamental principles of the Hippocratic oath, following comments made by Myriam Dossou-d'Almeida, a vice-president of the National Assembly.
Dossou-d'Almeida's remarks, made in early September, suggested that doctors might refuse to treat patients based on their social media posts. According to Atakpama, she stated that a doctor could decline to treat a patient if they had a "grudge" against them due to their online activities. This sparked concerns that patients might be denied medical care due to their online presence or political affiliations.
Atakpama's letter emphasizes that the issue goes beyond a simple political debate, as it touches on the core of the medical profession. He argues that such comments create "a dreadful doubt" among the population about the safety of seeking medical care. The writer cites the Togolese Medical Code of Conduct, established by a decree on August 21, 2013, which outlines the obligations of medical professionals.
The code stipulates that doctors must treat all patients with equal care, regardless of their opinions or affiliations. Specifically, Article 11 requires doctors to provide care to all patients with the same conscience, while Article 9 emphasizes the duty to assist persons in peril. Article 38 prohibits doctors from turning away patients who have already been received, and Article 47 forbids abandoning patients, even in cases of public danger.
Atakpama is not calling for sanctions against Dossou-d'Almeida but rather a public clarification from the Medical Council. He urges the council to solemnly reaffirm that Togolese doctors "know neither TikTok users nor militants, but only patients." He emphasizes that no instructions, regardless of their origin or authority, should exempt doctors from their professional oath.
The open letter has been shared on social media, accompanied by hashtags #Togo, #Déontologie, #DroitÀLaSanté, and #OrdreDesMédecins. This controversy unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing debates in Togo about the intersection of politics, fundamental rights, and access to healthcare. The Medical Council's response is expected to have significant implications for the country's healthcare system.
The incident highlights the delicate balance between professional obligations and external pressures in the medical field. As the situation continues to unfold, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the Medical Council addresses the concerns raised by Atakpama and the broader Togolese public.
Key points
- The Togolese Medical Council has been urged to clarify its stance on patient care following controversial comments by a National Assembly vice-president.
- The controversy centers on the Hippocratic oath and the medical code of conduct in Togo.
- The issue has sparked a wider debate about the intersection of politics, fundamental rights, and access to healthcare in Togo.
