Reflection Paper

By: Alyssa June Cruz

Date: October 26, 2015

Subject : BIOETHICS

1. Critique the PMA Code of Ethics. Is it relevant? Do you observe violations in the
Code? Is there anything you would like to change?
The issue of medical ethics has been increasing due to the growing complexity of illnesses,
patient rights, and scientific/medical advances. There has been sprouting questions whether a
particular action is ethical or not. Reading thoroughly the Code of Ethics of the Philippine
Medical Association, I have noticed that there are some provisions being violated
intentionally/unintentionally by some of the Filipino Doctors in our country. In Article I section I,
states that the primary objective of the practice of medicine is service to mankind irrespective of
race, age, disease, disability, sexual orientation, social standing. I have observed that this
section is being violated in a way that there are doctors in some private practices who refuses
indigenous group of individuals or show unequal services to them. Sometimes some doctors are
sexist, they tend to choose the gender of their patients, and most of all they choose people who
have political affiliations for their own benefit of gaining fame or popularity. Another section that
is being violated is section 7. The promotion and advancement of the health of the patients
should be prioritized over the benefits of the physicians and health product industries. Unethical
physicians became selfish in practicing their profession by prioritizing their own benefits/
financial gain. On Article 4 section 15, Generic names shall be used during the course of CME
activities. Some doctors intended to use branded drugs so that they will have a commission on
the pharmaceutical companies if they promote the drug.
2. Examine the modern version of the Hippocratic Oath. Is it applicable to the
Filipino culture? Do you observe violations in the code? Is there anything you
would like to change?
The modern Hippocratic Oath is applicable to Filipino Culture. Philippines, being a religious
country, have an ethical strength of character deeply rooted in the Natural Law. For me, one
mostly violated principle of the Hippocratic Oath is that I will apply, for the benefit of the sick, all
measures which are required, avoiding those twin traps of overtreatment and therapeutic
nihilism. Sometimes, Filipino physicians indulge in giving medications or services to gain
financially, even though they know that there will be an equally better alternative which is
affordable for their patients. Also, through the course of treatments, the morals and beliefs of the
patient are being overlooked just to proceed with a certain medical procedure.
3. Critique the Patients Bill of Rights. Is it being followed? What actions undermine
the patients bill of rights?
As far as the Bill of rights of the patients are concerned, there are various rights that are not
usually observed like patients right to obtain from his physician complete current information
concerning his/her diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Sometimes miscommunication between
the doctor and the patient arises wherein the doctor fails to explain important information to their
patients. The patient has the right to examine and receive an explanation of his/her bill/fee.
Some patients do not enjoy this right because most of the time, these individuals just pay
whatever amount it is for the sake of having the treatment regardless if they have received the
services due to them.