A former Swiss doctor has defended medical operations performed on thousands of children from Vietnam and other countries in the 1960s and 1970s, following revelations by the Swiss magazine Beobachter and reported by 20 Minutes. The operations, conducted under the auspices of the humanitarian organization Terre des hommes, have been criticized for allegedly inadequate care and ethical concerns.
The doctor, whose name has not been disclosed in the initial reports, stated that the surgeries were performed with the best intentions and according to the medical standards of the time. He emphasized that many children suffered from severe conditions like cleft palates and club feet, and the operations aimed to improve their quality of life.
According to historical records, Terre des hommes brought thousands of children from developing countries, including Vietnam, to Switzerland for medical treatment during the Vietnam War era. Critics, however, have questioned the consent procedures and the long-term follow-up care provided to these children.
The controversy has reignited debates about medical ethics in humanitarian aid, particularly regarding the treatment of vulnerable populations in past decades. The doctor's defense highlights the complex legacy of such programs, which were often praised at the time but are now viewed with more scrutiny.
