Call to Update International Medical Guide for Ships to Enhance Seafarer Healthcare

MARINE Medical Solutions, a prominent figure in maritime healthcare, has highlighted the pressing need for an updated version of the International Medical Guide for Ships, last revised in 2007. This guide is crucial for providing medical care on ships and serves as a primary reference for pharmacies supplying essential medicines for seafarers. Doctor Jens Tülsner, CEO of Marine Medical Solutions, expressed concerns about the outdated nature of the guide, emphasizing that medical advancements in the past 15 years have not been incorporated into the recommendations. Despite efforts by flag states and organizations to update medical handbooks for ships, none have been adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Tülsner stressed the importance of involving medical professionals in creating and regularly updating the essential medicines list to enhance healthcare for seafarers. He noted that the shipping industry has made significant advancements in medical technology and pharmaceutical options since 2007, underscoring the need for the IMO to provide more frequent revisions to the guide. By updating the guide to reflect modern medical practices, Tülsner believes that seafarers can receive better support and care, especially considering the challenging and isolated conditions they often face at sea.

Despite the interdependency between updating the International Medical Guide for Ships and the STCW regulations, Tülsner emphasized the urgency of initiating the process. He highlighted the importance of the IMO guidelines as the gold standard for most flag states and shipping companies. Marine Medical Solutions, a part of the OneCare Group, continues to advocate for improved healthcare standards in the maritime industry, emphasizing the necessity of updated and medically sound guidelines for the safety and well-being of all seafarers.

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