During our MBBS days, the topic of Medical Ethics was probably included in Forensic Medicine and was never stressed. In these days of Consumer Awareness and doctors having been brought under the purview of Consumer Forums, there is a need for every practicing doctor to be aware of the basics of medical ethics. A common framework used in the analysis of medical ethics is the "four principles" approach postulated by Tom Beauchamp and James Childress in their textbook “Principles of Biomedical Ethics." Autonomy: Patient has the right to refuse or choose the treatment Beneficience: Doctor should act in the best interests of the patient.
Non-maleficence: “Primum non nocere” or First, do no harm. Justice and Protection of Human Rights: Autonomy The principle of autonomy recognizes the rights of individuals to self-determination. This is rooted in society's respect for individuals' ability to…
