Medical Ethics in Bachelor Degree of Medicine

In today’s world which is filled with several institutional boards and hospital ethics committees, the greatest risk faced by the medical professionals is the lack of moral theories and principles in the practice of medicine.  The medical science has altered in such a way that it showcases the importance of ethical controversies.  Medical ethics is normally concerned with the moral issues emerging from the patient welfare. 

Keeping in mind the importance of ethics in medicine, the Association of Health Universities in India has decided to forward a proposal to the Medical Council of India (MCI) regarding the inculcation of professionalism and ethics in the MBBS course which would enhance the medical practitioners in pursuing the relevant degree. It is to be noted that though ethics was a part of medical education previously, no examinations were conducted as a part of assessments.  
 
The third conclave of Vice-chancellors of Health Universities of India, hosted by the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences was held recently with regard to the proposal. It had turned out to be a highly debated session wherein Dr Venkatesh D, the Director of MS Ramaiah Medical College stated “We had done a survey on students some years ago. We realized they come to medical college with high ideals. But as years pass, their principles erode and towards the end, many are ready to compromise on their values” (source: http://www.edu-leaders.com/edu/news/39123/medical-ethics-mbbs?utm_source=newsletter-core&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20140430).

Though the ethics was taught in the beginning, there were no assessments to validate them. Also most of the universities which taught ethics could not impart them into real-terms.  Hence it is mandatory to ensure that regular examinations will be conducted as a part of assessment for the new subject. A proper knowledge in ethics would help a medical practitioner to enhance the healthcare service rendered to the society.

Importance of Ethics

Developments in science and technology in this century has led to several advances of medicine and healthcare that has benefitted millions of lives. Ethics refers to the standardized codes and principles which are very important for moulding the medical practitioners. A few facts that make the ethics more important are listed below:

•    Standardization & Validation of medical practice
•    Recruiting a highly qualified medical personnel
•    Builds public support for medical care
•    Delivering the best medical service to the society
•    Good communication between medical practitioners with patients

Since its inception, Texila American University, one of the fastest growing Caribbean medical school with clinical rotations in USA has been rendering medical programs with medical ethics as one of its key subjects, in the curriculum in doctor of medicine program so that the medical practitioners will be aware trained in medical ethics.