Egypt is arresting medics who speak out about the country's coronavirus crisis, Business Insider says according to multiple reports. The arrests come after the country's prime minister suggested it was "negligence and mismanagement" from the medical profession that was to blame for the disease's spread in the country.
The report says doctors have called for more beds and supplies at hospitals, but in response authorities have waged what Amnesty International has termed a "campaign of harassment and intimidation" that leaves having to choose between risking catching COVID-19 at work, or being punished by the authorities. The report said according to official figures, at least 188 medical workers in Egypt have died of the coronavirus since the pandemic began.
Other reports said in May, there were outbreaks among medical staff at overcrowded quarantine hospitals. At least eight medical workers have been arbitrarily detained for expressing criticism of the government's handling of the virus, Amnesty rights organisation said. This is often on vague charges such as "spreading false news" and "terrorism."
The report says the prime minister has blamed doctors for the crisis. In a 13 June press conference Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly suggested that it was the "negligence and mismanagement" of doctors to blame for the spread of the coronavirus. The comment provoked an angry response from the Egyptian Medical Syndicate union. Local branch member and treasurer Mohamed El-Fawal wrote a Facebook post demanding an apology.
The report says in response, a government spokesperson lavished the profession with praise and the title of "Egypt's White Army" – long-standing badge of honour for doctors. Nonetheless, El-Fawal was then arrested and has been held for at least 12 days.
Coronavirus infections are surging in the country of 100 million, threatening to overwhelm hospitals. As of Monday, the Health Ministry had recorded 76,253 infections, including 3,343 deaths — the highest death toll in the Arab world.Coronavirus infections are surging in the country of 100 million, threatening to overwhelm hospitals. As of Monday, the Health Ministry had recorded 76,253 infections, including 3,343 deaths — the highest death toll in the Arab world.
[link url="https://www.businessinsider.co.za/trending/egypt-criticizes-arrests-doctors-for-speaking-up-covid-19-crisis-2020-7"]Full Business Insider report[/link]