Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Barcelona (Fides Service) - The 22nd Congress of Catholic Doctors organised by the International Federation of Medical Associations FIAMC which has over 50,000 members, opened on 11 May. The theme of the Congress “Catholic doctors, globalisation and poverty” received the approval of over 900 bishops and cardinals. During the Congress seven work groups will reflect on distinct aspects of the role of the Catholic doctor in society today. Important themes for reflection will include: access to health; rights of the poor a question of justice; medical training at a distance; opportunities and risks; international bodies and their attitude towards poor countries; Catholic doctors and professionals of other religions; respect for life and human dignity; the doctor at the service of peace. The programme of the Congress includes five official sessions, 6 symposiums and workshops and 50 expositions and other activities.
According to Dr. José María Simón, president of the Congress organising committee “the objective is to help solve problems of physical and spiritual health. We also want people to know how much the Church works for the third world and that it can organise a major event offering the best. It must be said loud and clear that the Church is the main supplier of psycho-social and spiritual health on the planet. Wherever medicine is non profit there the Church cares for the sick and the needy”. Dr. José María also said “the important thing is to realise that great organisations are not essential. Very often small groups of people help solve problems".
With regard to how the Congress will try to eradicate poverty, he said “on the one hand it will present initiatives and opportunities in our globalised world such as medical training at a distance and micro-credit in healthcare. We will also discuss the right of poor people to health, the role of international bodies and we will propose concrete measures . The role of the doctor at the service of peace, missionary medicine… will also be discussed” concluded Dr. José María Simón.
During the Congress there will be a first ever exhibition of missionary medical care and initiatives for development undertaken by the Church, particularly in the field of healthcare. Lastly the Congress intends to promote concrete initiatives to develop healthcare in one of the most disadvantaged areas of the world, northern Kenya. FIAMC consists of 60 national associations of Catholic doctors and is divided in 6 regions: Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Europe, North America and Latin America, and its mission is to safeguard, defend and promote human life in the different cultures and promote the professional, human and spiritual growth of the members. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 12/5/2006; righe 13, parole 178)
