Code of ethics decoded

 

Code of Ethics:

In order to highlight the significance of certain points, the Commission in the new Code of Medical Ethics has made use of the English language. NMC stated that "The words ‘must’, ‘shall / should ’and ‘may ’are used purposefully in these guidelines and indicate the degree of obligation that the doctor has to follow the guidelines. The word ‘must ’indicates a higher level of commitment and obligation required of the doctor, while in the case of ‘shall/should ’the level of obligation is less and there could be room for individual judgment."

According to the Code of Medical Ethics, released by NMC, the following are the "Must" for medical practitioners:

1. Must provide care for the patient with compassion and respect, keeping the best interest of the patient in mind at all times.

2. Must protect patient confidentiality and privacy, and treat every patient equally, without discrimination.

3. Must not refuse to treat a patient in case of medical emergency, nor discriminate between patients based on gender, race, religion, caste, social, economic or cultural grounds. No patient should be abandoned.

Further, NMC has referred to the following as the "Shall/Should" for the medical practitioners:

1. Should be respectful of the patient’s rights and opinion, communicate clearly with the patient, and be honest and transparent in all professional interactions.

2. Shall ensure one’s competency and fitness to practice, and keep up to date with advancements in medical practice. They shall consult with other health professionals, as and when required for the benefit of the patient.

3. Should function in accordance with the laws of the land. When there is a conflict between ethics and law, the doctor is expected to advocate for changes in the law, in the interest of patient care.

4. Shall be responsive to individual and community health needs, and advocate for patients and the wider community they serve in matters of health and welfare.

5. Should practice according to his conscience and ethical guidelines, free from external pressures. They should not provide treatments that are not medically indicated, and must not participate in any act of torture.

6. Should promote and model the ethical standards of the profession in the work place, mindful of the moral and professional obligation owed to the patient and society who have reposed trust in the profession.

7. Should not hesitate to report unethical acts, fraud, incompetence, dishonesty, exploitation or misconduct on part of other health care professionals that could result in harm to the patient.

8. Should recognize conflict of interest situations that may arise in practice as they are detrimental to the patient and should avoid or minimize them. In such situations, the patient’s interest should take precedent over any other consideration.

9. Should not engage in endorsement or promotion of any drug or medical product for commercial purposes or for personal gains. In sharing findings of research with peers and scientific societies, the practitioner is expected to be neutral and unbiased in the interest of science and patient care.

10. Should protect and minimize risk of patients who participate in medical research, conscious that the dual role as researcher-practitioner would require disclosure to patients and additional regulatory and ethical compliance.

11. Should ensure that professional boundaries of the doctor patient relationship are respected and not violated.

The Physician's Pledge:

1. AS A MEMBER OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION:

2. I SOLEMNLY PLEDGE to dedicate my life to the service of humanity;

3. THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF MY PATIENT will be my first consideration;

4. I WILL RESPECT the autonomy and dignity of my patient;

5. I WILL MAINTAIN the utmost respect for human life;

6. 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;

7. I WILL RESPECT the secrets that are confided in me, even after the patient has died;

8. I WILL PRACTISE my profession with conscience and dignity and in accordance with good medical practice;

9. I WILL FOSTER the honour and noble traditions of the medical profession;

10. I WILL GIVE to my teachers, colleagues, and students the respect and gratitude that is their due;

11. I WILL SHARE my medical knowledge for the benefit of the patient and the advancement of healthcare;

12. I WILL ATTEND TO my own health, well-being, and abilities in order to provide care of the highest standard;

13. I WILL NOT USE my medical knowledge to violate human rights and civil liberties, even under threat;

14. I MAKE THESE PROMISES solemnly, freely, and upon my honour.