Militarization of Bahrain’s public health system

Militarization of Bahrain’s public health system
May, 2012 – Report Physicians for Human Rights

[Excerpt] – Two PHR investigators, Holly Atkinson, MD, and Richard Sollom, MPH, returned to Bahrain in April 2012 to assess the current human rights situation and to investigate potential ongoing violations of medical neutrality in Bahrain since April 2011. The team conducted 102 in-depth qualitative interviews, examined medical records and radio-graphic images, conducted two site visits to Salmaniya Hospital and an “underground clinic,” and interviewed patients, doctors, and government officials.

Under the Under the principle of medical neutrality, State authorities must ensure safe access to medical facilities and transport, and ensure the safety of medical workers and their patients. At the same time, medical workers must provide impartial care to all who seek their help. Over the past 14 months, however, the Government of Bahrain has denied a largely Shia segment of its population these rights, resulting in widespread fear among many who seek medical treatment.

According to over a dozen sick and wounded civilians whom PHR investigators interviewed in April 2012, this fear is due to:

• the ongoing presence of State security forces inside Salmaniya Hospital

• the systematic interrogation of incoming patients and visitors, and

• the subsequent beating, detention, and prosecution of many Shia who are suspected of having participated in street protests.

In addition to conducting 102 interviews, PHR investigators visited Salmaniya Hospital twice in April 2012 and confirmed eyewitness accounts that two to four Bahraini national guards man each of the nine exterior gates into Salmaniya Medical Complex.
…more – full report PDF