Context
Prevention of patients from exploitation and protecting their human rights is the aim of modern medical ethics but the objectionable attitude of Indian doctors towards informed consent is a worrying trend.
Background
Analysis
It makes sense, to begin with, the Hippocratic Oath, that most doctors pledge to adhere in his or her practice. It was developed by the Greek physician Hippocrates some 2,500 years ago, shaping the principles of medical ethics. It demonstrates the ethical principles of beneficence, non-maleficence and confidentiality. Despite this, there are reasonable practical implications where clear divergence forms the minutes of the oath cannot be ignored.
Instances of ethical divergence:
The core reason behind this problem: It is the consent
Patient autonomy: It talks about the freedom of patients to decide about his/her medical care and to gather information before undergoing any procedure/test/surgery. Patient autonomy does allow for doctors to educate the patient but the doctor can only act as a facilitator in the whole process. |
Types of Consent in the field of medicine:
The problem in India:
Possible solution:
Conclusion:
Consent is a lawful right of a patient that makes a decision their involvement in clinical procedures. The knowledge and approach of consent are foremost important for the general population as well as to the medical field practitioners. Thus, it is impossible to expect a change without increasing the awareness among patients about their rights and alongside placing stronger laws that can ensure that the doctors or the health care providers do the right thing.
Verifying, please be patient.