ABSTRACT

The importance of this principle cannot be overstated, as a patient must be able to trust his doctor, that whatever he tells him will remain private. The duty of confi dentiality represents both deontological and consequentialist ideals. Not only are doctors duty bound to keep a patient’s confi dence but the exercise of the duty also serves the greater good. If a patient feels that he cannot trust his doctor, he is less likely to seek medical advice. Trust and confi dence in his doctor are essential for his care and treatment, not only for his personal health but also as far as wider concerns of public health issues are concerned.