With NMC taking over it may be time to revise MCI Code of Ethics (Part 3)

India

healthysoch.com

New Delhi, August 13, 2019 :

The MCI Code of Ethics Regulations requires a Declaration (Appendix 1) to be signed and submitted at the time of registration.

1. DECLARATION

1)    I solemnly pledge myself to consecrate my life to service of humanity.

2)    Even under threat, I will not use my medical knowledge contrary to the laws of Humanity.

3)    I will maintain the utmost respect for human life from the time of conception.

4)    I will not permit considerations of religion, nationality, race, party politics or social standing to intervene between my duty and my patient.

5)    I will practice my profession with conscience and dignity.

6)    The health of my patient will be my first consideration.

7)    I will respect the secrets which are confined in me.

8)    I will give to my teachers the respect and gratitude which is their due.

9)    I will maintain by all means in my power, the honour and noble traditions of medical profession.

10)  I will treat my colleagues with all respect and dignity.

11)  I shall abide by the code of medical ethics as enunciated in the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations 2002. I make these promises solemnly, freely and upon my honour.

Here is what the American Medical Association (AMA) has to say about professional responsibility and the Declaration.

Appendix D Declaration of Professional Responsibility 

Preamble:

Never in the history of human civilization has the well-being of each individual been so inextricably linked to that of every other. Plagues and pandemics respect no national borders in a world of global commerce and travel. Wars and acts of terrorism enlist innocents as combatants and mark civilians as targets. Advances in medical science and genetics, while promising great good, may also be harnessed as agents of evil. The unprecedented scope and immediacy of these universal challenges demand concerted action and response by all. As physicians, we are bound in our response by a common heritage of caring for the sick and the suffering. Through the centuries, individual physicians have fulfilled this obligation by applying their skills and knowledge competently, selflessly, and at times heroically. Today, our profession must reaffirm its historical commitment to combat natural and man-made assaults on the health and well-being of humankind. Only by acting together across geographic and ideological divides can we overcome such powerful threats. Humanity is our patient.

Declaration

We, the members of the world community of physicians, solemnly commit ourselves to:

1. Respect human life and the dignity of every individual.
2. Refrain from supporting or committing crimes against humanity and condemn all such acts.
3. Treat the sick and injured with competence and compassion and without prejudice.
4. Apply our knowledge and skills when needed, though doing so may put us at risk.
5. Protect the privacy and confidentiality of those for whom we care and breach that confidence only when keeping it would seriously threaten their health and safety or that of others.
6. Work freely with colleagues to discover, develop, and promote advances in medicine and public health that ameliorate suffering and contribute to human well-being.
7. Educate the public polity about present and future threats to the health of humanity.
8. Advocate for social, economic, educational, and political changes that ameliorate suffering and contribute to human well-being.
9. Teach and mentor those who follow us for they are the future of our caring profession.

We make these promises solemnly, freely, and upon our personal and professional honor.

Author : Dr KK Aggarwal , Padma Shri Awardee