ABSTRACT
This Chapter focuses on the principles of medical ethics summarizing the obligations of health professionals to individuals and to society. These obligations are universal and are incorporated in national and international statements and guidelines and by medical professional bodies worldwide. International ethics guidelines are articulated by the World Medical Association’s Code of Medical Ethics first published in 1949. The central tenet of all health professional ethics is to respect human dignity and always act in the patient’s best interest. A knowledge of human rights and their relevant instruments is increasingly important in a globalized world when faced with issues such as care of migrants who are forcibly displaced, allocation of scarce resources (such as in pandemics), and healthcare inequities. Principles common to all codes of medical ethics include beneficence, non-maleficence, confidentiality, and respect for patient autonomy. Exceptions to this framework are also explored. autonomy, and justice. Exceptions to this framework are also explored.
