Medical Ethics

Ethics means voluntarily self-imposed code of conduct.

Definition:
It means moral principles which should guide the members of the medical profession in course
of practice their medicine and dealings with their patients, other members of medical
profession and the state.
 When, where & how Geneva declaration was adopted?
It is the modernised version of Hippocrates Oath, adopted by Third General Assembly of
World Medical Association at Geneva, Switzerland, in September,1948. There after it was
accepted as International Code of Medical Ethics at London, in October, 1948.

• The codes of Geneva Declaration are

• I solemnly pledge myself to consecrate my life to the service of humanity.
• I will give to my teachers the respect and gratitude which is their due.
• I will practice my profession with conscience and dignity.
• The health of my patient will be my first consideration.
• I will respect the secretes which are confided in me.
• I will maintain by all the means in my power, the honour and noble traditions of the
medical profession.
• I will not permit consideration of religion, nationality, race, party politics or social
standing to intervene between my duty and my patient.
• My colleagues will be my brothers & sisters.
• I will maintain utmost respect for human life from the time of conception.
• Even under threat, I will not use my medical knowledge contrary to the laws of
humanity.
I make these promises solemnly, freely and upon my honour.

• Medical Etiquette
Definition: It deals with conventional laws of courtesy observed between the members of
medical profession. Examples are given below:
 A doctor should behave with his colleagues in such a way that, he would like to have from
them.
 A doctor should not criticize about the professional ability of another doctor in front of the
patient.
 A doctor should not entice away patients from his colleagues.

• Duties of a Doctor according to Medical Ethics

1. Duties of a doctor towards sick:
 A doctor should always keep in mind the importance of preserving human life from the
time of conception until death.
 A doctor should maintain absolute professional secrecy of the patient.
 A doctor should give supporting treatment in emergency cases, after that he should refer
the patient to the expert / higher center as early as possible.
 When some examination & treatments are beyond the knowledge of the doctor, he must
call upon another doctor who has necessary ability.
2. Duties of a doctor towards colleagues:
 A doctor should behave with his colleagues in such a way that, he would like to have from
them.
 A doctor should not criticize about the professional ability of another doctor in front of the
patient.
 A doctor should not entice away patients from his colleagues
3. Doctor’s duties in general:
 A doctor should always maintain highest standard of professional conduct.
 A doctor should not do any unethical medical practice.
 A doctor should not do anything which can weaken the physical & mental resistance of a
patient.
 A doctor should not neglect a patient.
 A doctor should not be influenced by motives of benefit.
 In case of issuing medical certificates, medico legal reports & to give expert opinion in the
court a doctor should only mention what he can verify or prove.
 A doctor should very much careful, in case of publishing his opinion, observation &
discoveries.
• Pen picture of an ideal doctor
 A doctor must be modest, sober & prompt in his duty.
 A doctor must be pure & upright in his character.
 A doctor should uphold the honor & noble tradition of medical profession.
 A doctor should prescribe proper & suitable medicine.
 A doctor should use clean & proper instrument and appliances.

 A doctor should obey strictly the codes of Geneva declaration.

 A doctor should not neglect the patient.
 A doctor should not do any unethical medical practice.
 A doctor should be responsible for community health.
 A doctor should use average degree of skill, care, judgment & attention during treatment
of a patient.
 A doctor should show dedication during dealings with patients.

• Rights & privileges of a doctor

 Right to practice medicine.
 Right to choose a patient.
 Right to dispense medicine.
 Right to add title, descriptions etc. to his name.
 Right to recovery of fees.
 Right to hold official appointment.
  Right to issue medical certificates & medico legal reports.
 Right to give evidence as an expert whenever asked by the court.
 Right to supply dangerous drugs to his patients.

• Rights & privileges of a patient

i. Choice: Right to choose his own doctor.
ii. Access: Right to access any health care facilities.
iii. Dignity: Right to receive treatment with dignity & honor.
iv. Privacy: Right to receive treatment with maintaining full privacy.
v. Confidentiality: Right to receive treatment with maintaining full confidentiality.
vi. Safety: right to receive treatment with maintaining proper safety.
vii. Right to know: Right to know about the diagnosis, treatment, procedure, investigation,
prognosis & alternatives.
viii. Refusal: Right to refuse any treatment and investigation.
ix. Comfort: Right to receive treatment with full comfort.
X. Complaints: right to complaints to the proper authority against the medical professionals.
xi. Compensation: Right to claim compensation in medical negligence cases.

Thanks to all

The Declaration of Geneva, as currently published by the World Medical Association reads:

AS A MEMBER OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION:
 I SOLEMNLY PLEDGE to dedicate my life to the service of humanity;
 THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF MY PATIENT will be my first consideration;
 I WILL RESPECT the autonomy and dignity of my patient;
 I WILL MAINTAIN the utmost respect for human life;
 I WILL NOT PERMIT considerations of age, disease or disability, creed, ethnic origin,
gender, nationality, political affiliation, race, sexual orientation, social standing or any
other factor to intervene between my duty and my patient;
 I WILL RESPECT the secrets that are confided in me, even after the patient has died;
 I WILL PRACTICE my profession with conscience and dignity and in accordance with
good medical practice;
 I WILL FOSTER the honor and noble traditions of the medical profession;
 I WILL GIVE to my teachers, colleagues, and students the respect and gratitude that is
their due;
 I WILL SHARE my medical knowledge for the benefit of the patient and the
advancement of healthcare;
 I WILL ATTEND TO my own health, well-being, and abilities in order to provide care of
the highest standard;
 I WILL NOT USE my medical knowledge to violate human rights and civil liberties, even
under threat;
 I MAKE THESE PROMISES solemnly, freely and upon my honor.