Campaign launched to promote fair trade of medical supplies
Campaign launched to promote fair trade of medical supplies
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Monday, 23, Feb 2009 12:15
A campaign has been launched today aimed at promoting fair trade in medical supplies.
The British Medical Association's (BMA) campaign coincides with Fairtrade Fortnight, an awareness event which is drawing attention to the positives of fair trade.
The medical campaign calls on healthcare workers and the public to contribute to the NHS consultation on ethical purchasing.
Dr Mahmood Bhutta, from the BMA, said: "There is evidence to suggest that many supplies used in the NHS are produced in unhealthy, unsafe and unfair working conditions.
"Workers in the developing world are poorly paid and are exposed to hazardous conditions where they risk serious injury and even death."
He said many surgical instruments are made in Pakistan where workers suffer long working hours, poor health and safety and where in some cases child labour is exploited.
"It seems perverse that labourers around the world are risking their lives to supply us with equipment to save British lives," the BMA advisor continued.
"Fair trade is not just about the products we purchase, it is also about things that are purchased on our behalf. Taxpayers have an opportunity to tell the NHS they want medical equipment purchased in line with fair and ethical trade guidelines."
The BMA is urging patients and members of the public to submit a response to the consultation document issued by the NHS on the purchasing of medical equipment.