Medical Ethics in Pakistan: Bridging Principles and Practice

Abstract

mutual trust between the patient and physician. In addition to the clinical and technical skills of the physician, there needs to be a very strong ethical judgement and empathy in the physician. In these times where technology is rapidly replacing humans, medical ethics remain a vital compass that help a physician navigate tough decisions while ensuring human dignity and welfare.1 Ethical practice relies on the five basic principles summarized as ABCDE. Autonomy: Autonomy ensures that the patient and only the patient has a complete right over making all the decisions regarding his/her health and treatment; the only exception being if that the patient is not competent or waives his/her right.