Kohima, Nagaland Medical Council president Dr Puse Liegise on Wednesday urged doctors to uphold professional ethics and protect public trust.
He also termed financial incentives offered by pharmaceutical companies to promote particular brands of medicines unethical, along with payments made or received for referring patients. Emphasising the fundamental principles of medical ethics, Dr Liegise called on doctors to maintain patient confidentiality, respect patients’ right to informed decisions, avoid harm and provide equitable, unbiased treatment. He also urged greater attention to disease prevention, describing it as more economical than treatment.
He said compassionate care must go beyond treating an illness to understanding patients’ experiences, preserving their dignity and building trust. He said investment in the health sector should not be viewed merely as expenditure, stressing that public spending must translate into tangible benefits for patients and their families. Highlighting the importance of ethical conduct and compassion, Yhome said clinical competence must go hand in hand with integrity, empathy and respect for patients.
