PRESS RELEASE

First world campaign for family doctors to begin in the Vatican

ROME, 6 NOV – On Thursday 16 November, in the Vatican, the first world campaign in favour of the indispensable role and valuable vocation of the general practitioner will begin in the Vatican.

The initiative, which has as its slogan “Thank you, doctor” (thankyoudoctor.org), based on a concern expressed on several occasions by Pope Francis, is a response to the crisis of the healthcare system in many countries, where general practitioners suffer from a lack of support and professional recognition, which can ultimately pose a serious risk to the doctor-patient relationship.

The campaign is an initiative by the non-profit association of doctors, SOMOS Community Care, which brings together more than 2,200 doctors in New York to serve immigrant patients in particular, and is supported by the Pontifical Academy for Life, as well as other medical, nursing, civil and academic organizations.

The press conference to present the initiative, which will take place on Thursday 16 November in the Benedict XVI Hall of the Pontifical German College in the Vatican at 13.00, will involve the participation of Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, Msgr. Renzo Pegoraro, chancellor of the same Vatican institution, Dr. Ramón Tallaj, president of the association, Dr. Mario Paredes, chief executive of the organization and Dr. Filippo Anelli, president of the National Federation of Italian Doctors.

The event will also be attended by representatives of the Association of Catholic Doctors, nursing associations, and representatives of healthcare institutions, hospitals and medical schools.

Declaration for the rediscovery of the family doctor

During the press conference, the "Declaration for the rediscovery of the family doctor" will be presented, which aims to remind governments, public institutions and health systems of the need to put the figure of the general practitioner back at the centre.

The event will launch the first global campaign of endorsements by institutions and citizens to recognize the irreplaceable role of doctors, sometimes forced to work in heroic circumstances.

For information: thankyoudoctor.org

PRESS ACCREDITATION PROCEDURES

Journalists and media workers who wish to attend must apply up to 24 hours of the event via the Holy See Press Office online accreditation system, at press.vatican.va/accreditamenti

Refreshments will be offered after the press conference

FOR INFORMATION:

Press office
“Thank you doctor”
Antonello Sacchi
+393381902436
+393488999678
pressoffice@elenagrazini.it

Press office
Pontificia Accademia per la Vita
Fabrizio Mastrofini
+393473504311
pressoffice@pav.va