Filenews 29 July 2021 - by Panagiota Charalambous
The public attitudes of a portion of doctors opposed to vaccination for Covid-19 disease, has provoked the strong reaction of a portion of our fellow citizens who have taken a strong step towards the Cyprus Medical Association (PIS). In particular, 212 citizens sign a letter sent to the PIS which states that the views expressed by a small proportion of doctors lack a scientific basis and are in stark contrast to the official position of the PIS and the international scientific community.
"These positions result in our fellow citizens refusing to be vaccinated, since they consider that the weight of the speech of these doctors takes precedence over that of official health organisations," the letter states.
As highlighted in the letter of protest, in the Code of Medical Professional Ethics of the Cyprus Medical Association (Medical Ethics), it is stated that: "The physician has a duty to transmit the latest developments and advances in medical diagnosis, treatment and prevention to the general public by all means at his disposal. This should be done in an objective manner without only making its own positions when there are conflicting views on the subject under discussion...'.
The 212 signatories of the letter address a series of questions to the PIS and invite him to take a clear position. In particular, they ask the PIS who will take responsibility for what these doctors say and who will protect the ordinary citizen who may not have the necessary critical thinking or is tired of the long period of pandemic and somehow wants to react.
"We consider that you are the competent body, which must bring its members before their responsibilities and that you should act appropriately as soon as possible," the letter concludes.
The letter is signed by doctors of various specialties, nurses, political figures, academics, teachers, lawyers, journalists, architects, biologists, psychologists, actors and others. The names of the signatories have only been communicated to the PIS and will not be made public.
