The National Council of the Order of Physicians of Mali has issued a statement to clarify its position on social assistance organized by private individuals and publicized through the media.
The clarification follows reactions to recent remarks made by its president, Dr. Abdoulaye Kamissoko, during a media appearance.
In a statement published on August 30, the Order said it regrets the appearance, which it described as part of an awareness and information-sharing session with web-TV promoters.
The organization apologized for any misunderstandings that may have arisen from the comments.
The National Council specified that it does not oppose social aid initiatives carried out by private individuals and relayed in the media. However, it called on promoters of such initiatives to comply with the laws in force.
The clarification is aimed in particular at regulating practices related to the dissemination of information about people in vulnerable situations.
The statement has been welcomed by actors involved in social aid in Mali. Amina Dicko, president of Solidaris 223, described it as a relief for organizations that support families in difficulty.
“Regarding this statement, I am just relieved. Relieved, why?
Because we all know that there are families going through very difficult situations, who often struggle to even have the bare minimum for daily life,” she said.
According to Dicko, Solidaris 223 has been working since 2019 to provide support to people and families in difficulty, while ensuring not to expose their vulnerability.
She noted that media coverage of certain cases can sometimes be necessary to mobilize donors.
“There are cases that must be exposed to reach the sensitivity of donors. If the person consents, who are we to not do it, if it can bring them the expected help?” she said.
For the organization, protecting the dignity of beneficiaries must remain at the heart of these initiatives.
In its statement, the National Council also warned against a document presented as a statement from the “elected members of the Order.” The organization said this term does not exist in its texts and denounced the document as a fake statement.
The Council also confirmed that Dr. Abdoulaye Kamissoko is indeed the president of the National Council of the Order of Physicians of Mali.
Source: Studio Tamani