By Desire Uzochukwu
The World Medical Association (WMA) has condemned the Nicaraguan government’s interference in the work of doctors, warning that the dismissal, exile and intimidation of health professionals are threatening medical practice and putting patients’ lives at risk.
The association raised the alarm at its General Assembly in Rotterdam, where members adopted a revised resolution on the repression of Nicaraguan doctors, calling for the protection of medical professionals’ independence and the restoration of their right to practise without intimidation or discrimination.
According to national and international reports cited in the resolution, more than 400 doctors have been dismissed or forced to resign in Nicaragua since 2018, while more than 200 have been forced into exile.
The reports also highlight restrictions on medical training, obstacles to the free practice of medicine and a critical shortage of health workers, raising concerns about the country’s ability to provide adequate healthcare.
The WMA warned that interference with doctors’ professional responsibilities threatens not only the medical workforce but also the patients who depend on their care.
The resolution reaffirmed that professional independence, clinical autonomy, freedom of scientific expression and doctors’ ethical obligation to protect their patients’ health are fundamental principles of medicine that must be upheld.
It condemned government interference with doctors’ freedom to practise and speak, while expressing solidarity with Nicaraguan physicians affected by the reported repression.
WMA President, Dr Jung Yul Park, said patients ultimately suffer when doctors are punished for carrying out their professional duties.
“When physicians are dismissed, exiled or threatened simply for doing their jobs, patients pay the price. Nicaraguan doctors must be free to care for their patients and to speak the truth about their country’s health. The global medical community stands with them,” Park said.
The association called on the Nicaraguan government and members of parliament to protect all health professionals and restore the Nicaraguan Medical Association, which it said was necessary to provide the medical profession with an independent voice capable of upholding ethical practice and high standards of care.
It also urged the authorities to guarantee doctors’ right to practise without discrimination, intimidation or undue interference, and to make accurate information about the country’s health situation available.
The WMA further called for a review and repeal of laws used to silence, intimidate or criminalise health professionals acting in accordance with their ethical responsibilities.
Among the measures highlighted was the Cybercrime Act, particularly where it is used to restrict scientific or professional freedom of expression.
The association maintained that doctors must be able to raise concerns about public health and advocate for their patients without fear of retaliation.
The resolution reinforces the WMA’s position that protecting medical professionals’ independence is essential to ethical healthcare delivery, public trust and the effective functioning of health systems.
