International Code of Medical Ethics
Adopted by the Third General Assembly of The World Medical Association, London, England, October 1949
DUTIES OF DOCTORS IN GENERAL
A doctor must always maintain the highest standards of professional
conduct.
A doctor must practice his profession uninfluenced by motives of profit.
The following practices are deemed unethical:
a) Any self advertisement except such as is expressly authorized by the
national code of medical ethics.
b) Collaborate in any form of medical service in which the doctor does not have professional independence.
c) Receiving any money in connection with services rendered to a patient other than a proper professional fee, even with the knowledge of the patient.
Any act, or advice which could weaken physical or mental resistance of a human being may be used only in his interest.
A doctor is advised to use great caution in divulging discoveries or new techniques of treatment.
A doctor should certify or testify only to that which he has personally verified.
DUTIES OF DOCTORS TO THE SICK
A doctor must always bear in mind the obligation of pre- A doctor shall preserve absolute secrecy on all he knows about serving human life.
A doctor owes to his patient complete loyalty and all the resources
of his science. Whenever an examination or treatment is beyond his capacity
he should summon another doctor who has the necessary ability.
A doctor shall preserve absolute secrecy on all he knows about his patient
because of the confidence entrusted in him.
A doctor must give emergency care as a humanitarian duty unless he is
assured that others are willing and able to give such care.
DUTIES OF DOCTORS TO EACH OTHER
A doctor ought to behave to his colleagues as he would have them behave to him.
A doctor must not entice patients from his colleagues.
A doctor must observe the principles of "The Declaration of Geneva"
approved by The World Medical Association.
