- Marine Medical Solutions, a maritime healthcare leader, is urging the IMO to update the International Medical Guide for Ships, which has remained unchanged since 2007.
- CEO Dr. Jens Tülsner stresses that outdated guidelines put seafarers at risk, as they lack access to recent medical advancements.
- While some flag states and organizations have released their own medical handbooks, they have not been adopted by the IMO.
- Involving medical professionals in regular revisions of the guide would help improve onboard healthcare quality.
The Manila Times reports that Marine Medical Solutions has raised a pressing call for an updated edition of the International Medical Guide for Ships, a critical resource for onboard medical care last revised in 2007. As the essential reference for maritime pharmacies supplying medicines to seafarers, the guide’s outdated recommendations no longer reflect the advancements in medicine over the past 15 years, noted Dr. Jens Tülsner, CEO of Marine Medical Solutions.
Outdated Guidelines and Industry-Led Initiatives
Dr. Tülsner highlighted that the lack of regular updates from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) results in onboard medical supplies that may fall short of modern medical standards. “Seafarers risk missing out on effective treatments if the guide remains outdated,” he warned. Some industry players have moved forward independently: the Maritime Medical Service of the German flag released an updated “Maritime Medical Handbook” in 2019/2020, while the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) introduced a new handbook in 2023, both aiming to improve onboard healthcare. However, neither has received formal adoption by the IMO.
Advocating for Medical Expertise in Guide Revisions
Dr. Tülsner advocates for incorporating medical professionals into the revision process to ensure that the essential medicines onboard ships meet current healthcare needs. “Regular involvement of medical experts would not only enhance the relevance of these kits but would ensure they remain effective for modern healthcare standards,” he explained.
A Call to Action for the IMO
Dr. Tülsner urges the IMO to make more frequent updates to the International Medical Guide for Ships, which flag states and shipping companies continue to rely on as the gold standard. By keeping the guide aligned with current medical practices, the IMO can support seafarers who work in isolated, challenging conditions at sea.
Marine Medical Solutions, as part of the OneCare Group, remains committed to advocating for the well-being of seafarers and is determined to advance healthcare standards in the maritime industry through modern, reliable guidelines.
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Source: The Manila Times
