Medical Ethics in Lebanon.
Medical ethics are the cornerstone of the practice of medicine, as they help ensure that doctors provide care to their patients in a specialized and empathetic manner.
The Medical Doctor’s mission is to prevent, rehabilitate, alleviate pain and raise the general level of physical and psychological health.
In Lebanon, Law 288 of 1994 is a key piece of legislation that outlines the ethical standards that doctors must adhere to. In 2012, an amendment to this law was passed under the number 240, with the goal of further strengthening and clarifying the ethical standards that doctors must follow.
Law No. 240, emphasizes the role of doctors in preserving the physical and psychological health of their patients, and requires them to treat all patients with respect and dignity, regardless of their material or social condition, race, nationality, belief, political opinions, feelings, or reputation.
One important aspect of the law is the requirement that doctors respect the will of their patients. If a patient is unable to give their consent, the doctor must obtain the consent of their family or a legal representative.
Doctors are also required to maintain continuous professional development and education and to ensure that their clinics are equipped with appropriate equipment and technical means for their medical work.
In times of war, disaster, or epidemic, doctors are required to assist patients and ensure that they receive necessary aid. They must also participate in public vaccination campaigns and other efforts to aid those affected by disasters or epidemics.
Finally, the law outlines a number of ethical obligations that doctors must follow when it comes to their relationships with other healthcare professionals, their patients, and the public at large. These obligations include maintaining confidentiality, avoiding conflicts of interest, and reporting any violations of the law to the appropriate authorities.
Overall, Law 240 is an important piece of legislation that helps ensure that doctors in Lebanon provide care to their patients in an ethical and professional manner. It is vital that all doctors in the country adhere to the standards outlined in this law in order to maintain the long held reputation and tradition of professionalism, trust and confidence of the public.