MSF, or Doctors without Borders, provides medical care to people suffering from the consequences of conflict, natural disaster. We provide medical aid regardless of race, religion, politics or sex. We do not ask patients who they are or what they believe in. If they need medical treatment, we treat them.

MSF is currently providing medical aid in the remote district of Dantewada in Chhattisgarh. Dantewada is already one of the most isolated and medically needy parts of India. According to the National Family Health Survey, one out of every two of its children is malnourished, and infant mortality is worryingly high. Adding to the poverty and lack of services is the armed conflict between the Maoist rebels and the state, supported by the Salwa Judum. Civilians on all sides of the conflict bear the brunt, as we see every day.

In order to provide medical care to the people on all sides of the conflict it is important that all the parties involved in the conflict recognise and accept the universal principles of impartiality, independence and neutrality.

These principles of medical humanitarian action are based on the principles of international humanitarian law and are established to protect persons no longer involved in combat — wounded soldiers, prisoners of war and of course civilians living in the conflict areas.

International humanitarian law stipulates that international humanitarian organisations abide by strict principles of neutrality, independence and impartiality. That is what MSF does in over 100 countries worldwide. That is what we do in Dantewada, because it is essential to provide relief to those who need it the most. Our principles are as follows.

• We believe that all patients should be treated, whether Indian or foreigner, whether high or low caste, whether living in a Salwa Judum camp or in a Naxalite area. Medicins sans Frontieres is willing to provide medical care to all of them. The only factor we look at is who needs the care the most.

• We do not take sides in a conflict. The provision of medical care should not be interpreted as a hostile act directed at anyone in any conflict, but only as a means to reduce suffering.

• Our operations should be free of political, military or financial pressure. We can collaborate with a government but cannot operate on the orders of a government. We certainly will not do the bidding of rebel groups. We are also independent of our donors. We must be free to conduct independent medical assessments, and deliver treatment to those who need it the most.

The Dantewada district administration has suggested in press reports that it has only imposed a “security advisory,” which gives MSF permission to provide health care in camps operated by the administration but not in villages beyond. We believe that is in violation of the internationally recognised humanitarian principles outlined above. We have identified needy villages where residents have no access to health care. We have the resources to serve them. We ought to be allowed to, by all actors in the state.

The writer is head of mission for MSF in India