Medical Ethics South Africa
Medical Ethics In South Africa
All citizens of South Africa have the right to good health and quality healthcare. Healthcare practitioners are expected to serve patients to the best of their ability. Healthcare practitioners practicing in this country have to follow certain medical ethics in South Africa.
According to medical ethics in South Africa, good health and quality healthcare includes:
- Living in a healthy and safe environment
- Having access to quality healthcare that you can afford
- Choosing to accept or refuse treatment
- Obtaining a second opinion, where appropriate
- Knowing that your personal information is treated confidentially and kept private
- Receiving appropriate treatment from a qualified healthcare professional
According to medical ethics a healthcare practitioner found guilty of professional misconduct may be subject to the following penalties:
- A caution or a reprimand, or both
- A fine
- Suspension for a specified period from practising his profession
- Removal of his name from the relevant register
- A compulsory period of professional service
- Payment of the costs of the proceedings
A patient has the right to complain about healthcare services that either violate your rights to good health or breach ethical standards. According to medical ethics in South Africa, you also have a right to have your complaint investigated and to receive a full response thereafter.
While healthcare practitioners have a duty towards their patients, it is also important to note that they have to follow medical ethics towards their colleagues. A healthcare practitioner shall not be allowed to behave towards colleagues as he would have them behave towards him, and he may not undermine the patient-physician relationship of colleagues in order to attract patients.
A healthcare practitioner shall, when medically necessary, communicate with colleagues who are involved in the care of the same patient. This communication should respect patient confidentiality and be confined to necessary information.
For more information on medical ethics in South Africa, please contact Adele van der Walt Incorporated.
For more information on this subject, please give us a call at 012 460 3668 (SA) or e-mail us at clare@avdw.co.za
