12 February 2019
Medical Association for Prevention of War calls on the Federal Parliament to pass the Urgent Medical Treatment Bill today.
Dr Sue Wareham OAM, National President of MAPW, says, “What’s at stake today is the principle that people needing medical treatment will be granted appropriate treatment regardless of political considerations.
Political interference in clinical recommendations is absolutely anathema; it has never been ethically acceptable and it never will be.”
Thousands of doctors and medical associations across Australia support the Urgent Medical Treatment Bill introduced by Independent MP for Wentworth, Dr Kerryn Phelps.
The Bill seeks to amend the Migration Act to provide for urgent medical transfers to Australia for critically ill people remaining in offshore detention.
Dr Wareham will address a rally of supporters outside Parliament House, Canberra, from 11am today.