Toxicologist Teimuraz Kobidze on BBC investigation: no one approached Toxicologists’ Association - politicising medicine is crime

Teimuraz Kobidze, a leading Georgian toxicologist, on Wednesday accused non-specialists and media outlets of dangerously politicising medicine, declaring that neither he nor the Association of Toxicologists was ever approached by the BBC or any other party regarding alleged chemical weapon use during the protests.

Kobidze responded to claims by the BBC suggesting that law enforcement used prohibited chemical weapons during the dispersal of protests last year, clarifying that no requests or consultations were made to the professional toxicology community.

“We officially declare that neither last year nor this year has anyone approached the Association of Toxicologists - neither NGOs, nor any initiators, nor foreign colleagues regarding the ongoing events”, he said.

The toxicologist condemned attempts by non-specialists to provide medical advice on the protests, noting that such actions increase public stress and anxiety.

“Due to the well-known events, various media outlets have been circulating information from doctors of different specialities, non-toxicologists, providing requests and incompetent advice to participants in the protests and the public. In reality, this is like pouring gasoline on a fire - it creates additional stress and anxiety among the people”, he noted.

Kobidze underscored the importance of medical certification and competence in providing professional commentary.

“I would remind some of our colleagues of the following: first, there is certification for medical specialties in the country. Second, a doctor who is not certified in the field is not competent. Third, before making media comments, giving interviews, or making demands, one should at least have a basic understanding of the field’s fundamentals and have treated at least one patient in that speciality. Fourth, politicising medicine is a crime”, Kobidze concluded.