Practice of medicine is a profession and not a business. The Doctor-Patient relationship is sacred and the practice of medicine is guided by a code of Ethics.
The oldest code of medical ethics is the Hippocratic oath. It has been reconstructed by the World Medical Association and known as Declaration of Geneva and is adopted by the Medical Council of India as the code of ethics for Medical Personnel.
The Declaration is as under
I solemnly pledge my self to concentrate my life to the service of humanity.
I will give to my teachers the respect and gratitude which is their due.
I will practice my profession with conscience and dignity.
The health of my patient will be first consideration.
I will respect the secrets which are confided in me.
I will maintain, by all means in my power, the honors and noble traditions of medical profession.
My Colleagues will be my brothers/sisters.
I will not permit considerations of religion, nationality, race, party-politics or social standing to intervene between my duty and my patient.
I will maintain the utmost respect for human life from the time of conception.
Even under threat, I will not use my medical knowledge, contrary to the laws of humanity.
I make these promises solemnly, freely and upon my honors.
This is the religion of the Doctor. Each student should take
