Potsdam. The role of health authorities during National Socialism is the subject of an exhibition that opened on Wednesday at the Potsdam Health Ministry. By ordering forced sterilizations or classifying disabled children as “unworthy of life,” Nazi state authorities became indirect agents of the regime.
“Employees of the municipal health authorities now work every day for the population,” said Health Minister Ursula Nonnemacher (Greens) at the opening of the exhibition. The aim is always to offer everyone the best health opportunities. “Under National Socialism, however, their role was completely different: the authorities were created as a subservient supervisory body, they were a selection apparatus within the framework of an inhumane policy.”
Something like this should never happen again. “The public health service must always enable health prevention for all people equally, especially for the youngest and most vulnerable.”
“Set an example before the state elections”
The president of the Federal Association of Public Health Doctors, Dr. Kristina Böhm, described the exhibition as a “milestone in the acceptance of the responsibilities of the public health service during National Socialism”.
It reminds and warns at the same time to take a closer look, not to let ourselves be exploited again and to follow the commandment of the Hippocratic Oath in all respects. Böhm: “I really hope that this exhibition will receive appropriate attention and can serve as an example before the next state elections.” (to leave)