MEDICAL ETHICS

Sept. 8, 2018

Indian Medical Association (IMA) is in the process of redefining the code of ethics in order to ensure a much more contemporary outlook.

About:

Need of revamp:
- The current Code of Medical Ethics developed by the Medical Council of India (MCI) dates back to 2002.
- But since then, much has changed in the medical and many relevant topics do not find a mention in the present code.
Key Features of draft code proposed by IMA:
- Individual doctors may be allowed to advertise their practise to compete with aggressively marketed corporate hospitals.
- Doctors should ensure that surrogates/egg donors are not exploited.
- Cadaver organ donations must be made compulsory for all unless an individual specifically states that he or she does not want to become an organ donor.
- Medical students should study ethics throughout the duration of the MBBS course.
- IMA is against physician-assisted suicide. This decision on the issue of ‘end of life’ can only be taken by relatives.
Way ahead:
- IMA would be releasing a handbook on the redefined code of medical ethics to its members in the coming month.
- Subsequently it would be submitted to all the relevant Central Ministries – health, medical education, law and justice and the MCI – for consideration.