19/08/2020
The fundamental right to obtain a service of medical doctor is a constitutionally bargained right of arrested persons in Ethiopia. As this crucial right has strong link with other important rights, such as the right to life and right to freedom from torture, it shall be regarded as the right with supreme importance and prison authorities have no power in law to restrict the enjoyment of this important right. First, Ethiopia has an obligation to fulfill the right to have a medical assistance, in detention facilities, by directly providing medical attention to persons under its control. Likewise, Ethiopia has a negative duty to refrain from preventing individuals from enjoying this right by their means. If an arrested person has the ability to cover his medical expenses and costs, or to hold his own GP, the state obligation is simply refraining from intervening in the enjoyment of this right. It is a paradox, and even a human right crime, to deny a person an opportunity to be cared for by his own GP. Simply, you cannot make a choice for an individual concerning where and from which physician he should receive a medical treatment. That is a choice to be made by the INDIVIDUAL.
