Flemish healthcare sector weighs ethical stance on Israeli medical products
The Flemish umbrella organisation Zorgnet-Icuro is developing an ethical framework to guide healthcare institutions in handling purchases of Israeli products. It is not yet clear when such a framework will be introduced.
Israeli products are widely used in healthcare, ranging from medicines to medical devices and technology. According to Margot Cloet, CEO of Zorgnet-Icuro, the organisation has recently received questions from several institutions about how to approach the issue in light of the atrocities in Gaza.
“It’s a complex issue,” said Cloet, “but it’s worth investigating.” She added: “It’s also illogical that resources allocated to healthcare here should go to companies with ties to the Israeli regime and military.”
Ethical guidelines
Possible measures include identifying alternatives to products from certain Israeli companies, or screening companies during tender procedures for links with the regime and the military.
When such a framework might be established remains unclear. “We must primarily ensure that it is legally sound and that we can continue to guarantee the care of our patients,” the organisation said.
So far, there has been no contact with politicians about potential guidelines. “We are still assessing whether it is necessary,” Cloet concluded.
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