In a recent and deeply concerning case that garnered attention, a three-year-old boy was denied the possibility of receiving a complex cardiac treatment because his parents were not vaccinated against Covid-19.
Initially, the child's treatment in Cyprus was deemed impossible due to the lack of necessary medical staff. In response, the Cyprus Ministry of Health managed to arrange for the child's transfer to Germany to receive the required treatment. However, at the last minute, Frankfurt Hospital denied the operation, citing the lack of Covid vaccination among the child's parents as the reason.
Even the option of having a vaccinated guardian accompany the child was proposed to the hospital, but they declined this possibility. Thus, a decision was made to prioritize the vaccination status of the child's parents over the life-saving treatment of a three-year-old with a critical heart condition.
Setting aside any personal opinions on vaccination, this situation is perplexing for several reasons. First and foremost, as an official from the German Ministry of Health rightly pointed out, "there is no rule that says hospitals cannot treat unvaccinated individuals, let alone children whose parents are not vaccinated."
Furthermore, the spokesman for the European Commission's health department emphasized that "health policies, including vaccination policies, and their concrete implementation are the responsibility of the member states, not the Commission." It seems that this incident raises questions about the application of Article 35, "Health Protection," in the Fundamental Rights of the European Union, which clearly states, "Everyone has the right of access to preventive health care and the right to benefit from health care under the conditions established by national laws and practices."
Is this a mere ethical dilemma for physicians, deciding whether to refuse treatment to patients solely because their parents, not even the patient themselves, are unvaccinated? Or is it a direct violation of the child's rights?
It's important to note that this incident was not limited to Germany. The Cyprus Ministry of Health authorities also attempted, unsuccessfully, to seek treatment in the UK and Israel. They eventually decided to transfer the child to a hospital in Greece, where he was accepted and is now awaiting treatment. However, this process undoubtedly put the child's life at risk, exposed him to unnecessary delays, and potentially wasted precious time that could be crucial for preserving his life. It also denied him a fundamental right to timely healthcare.
As we reflect on this incident, we must consider the future that awaits children if such situations continue to occur.
