Ten ethical duties of hospitals and medical professionals

From the viewpoints of patients and general public, from ordinary people whose health and lives may depend on the fidelity of medical professionals and medical institutions, and from prospective patients and their families who stand to become recipients of medical and hospital services, and who may be liable for payment of hospital bills and professional charges, this code of ethics is being proposed to constitute as the Magna Carta for patients, not only during a pandemic but all the time.

All medical institutions and medical professionals have chosen a field of public service that is not just a matter of making money but aimed at saving lives and promoting the health of individuals, communities, the whole nation, and ultimately, the entire humanity. There, at the very least, 10 ethical duties and responsibilities appurtenant to them. First, to value life, good health, and human dignity over and above profit and professional fees, to uphold the Hippocratic Oath at all times. Second, to promote preventive health, support the strengthening of the human immune system, promote safe and nurturing environment, excellent nutrition, a healthy and balanced lifestyle, sanitation and hygiene over and above remedial medicine and reactive treatment of diseases.

Third, to deal with government health and social institutions with utmost integrity and honor, to reject any temptation to deal with corrupt public officials, and to refuse any conspiracy for the malversation and defalcation of public funds. Fourth, to admit all patients regardless of financial capacity and to apply all the needed medical treatment and procedures according to the medical needs of the patients, regardless of the latter's financial capacity, and to attend to the medical needs first before requiring documentation on the financial charges and billing for medical and hospital fees. Fifth, to provide medical services with the highest degree of professionalism and with utmost social responsibility, regardless of the patients' economic status.

Sixth, to communicate with patients and families with candor, honesty, and fairness on both the state of health and on the levels of medical fees frankly and promptly, but couched in a courteous, caring, and compassionate manner. Seventh, to give patients and their guardians and families the freedom of choice on the attending physicians, surgeons, and other medical professionals, and options on the kinds of medical procedures and generics drugs, and to inform them of the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Eighth, to be transparent on the state of health of the patients and to constantly and promptly notify the families thereof, while upholding utmost confidentiality of private medical information.

Ninth, to be open and frank on the amount of hospital bills and professional charges, be fair on charging drugs and allow patients to buy them outside, and constantly communicate these to the families promptly and honestly. To reject the option of holding terminal patients and cadavers as hostages to assure payment of pending hospital bills and professional charges, and to be sensitive to the feelings of families who are grieving or under extreme stress and pressures. Hospitals and medical professionals should never forget that theirs is not purely business but a noble service to humanity.