Geneva Declaration
DECLARATION OF GENEVA
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The Declaration
of Geneva is a modern version of the Hippocratic Oath, established by the
World Medical Association (WMA) in 1948 after World War II.
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It serves as a
declaration of a physician's dedication to the humanitarian goals of medicine.
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It has been
revised several times to reflect the evolving standards of medical ethics and
professionalism.
Historical
Context
- After the atrocities committed by physicians
during World War II, particularly in Nazi Germany, the medical community
recognized the need for an updated ethical code.
- The WMA, founded in 1947, adopted the
Declaration of Geneva in 1948 during its General Assembly in Geneva,
Switzerland.
- It aimed to reaffirm the ethical principles of
the medical profession in light of the failures of medical ethics during
the war.
Core Principles
1. Dedication to Humanity
o
Physicians
pledge to devote their lives to the service of humanity, placing the health and
well-being of the patient above all else.
2. Respect for Teachers and Colleagues
o
Physicians vow
to respect their medical teachers, acknowledging their contributions to their
education and training.
3. Non-Discrimination
o
Physicians
commit to treating patients without any form of discrimination based on age,
gender, race, religion, political affiliation, social status, or any other
factor.
4. Patient Confidentiality
o
Physicians
pledge to maintain the utmost respect for patient confidentiality, even after
the patient has died.
5. Respect for Human Life
o
The declaration
emphasizes the importance of respecting human life from its beginning, while
also considering the dignity of the patient.
6. Ethical Practice
o
Physicians are
expected to practice medicine with conscience, dignity, and in accordance with
good medical practice.
7. Opposition to Abuse of Medical Knowledge
o
Physicians vow
not to use their medical knowledge to violate human rights or civil liberties.
8. Mental and Physical Well-being of the Physician
o
In recent
revisions, the declaration also highlights the importance of physicians taking
care of their own health and well-being to provide optimal care to patients.
Revisions and
Modernization
1. 1968 Revision: Minor changes were made to clarify the ethical obligations of
physicians.
2. 1983 Revision: Emphasized patient autonomy and rights.
3. 1994 and 2005 Revisions: Included language about respect for human rights
and clarified the physician's responsibility toward society.
4. 2017 Revision: Added commitments to physician well-being, non-discrimination, and the
promotion of health as a fundamental human right.
Significance in
Modern Medicine
- The Declaration of Geneva is considered a
universal code of ethics for medical professionals worldwide.
- It serves as a guide for medical students,
practitioners, and healthcare institutions in maintaining ethical
standards.
- Many medical schools use the declaration
during graduation ceremonies as a pledge for new doctors.
Conclusion
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The Declaration
of Geneva remains a cornerstone of medical ethics, reflecting the profession's
commitment to humanitarian principles.
·
It evolves with
the changing landscape of medicine, ensuring that physicians uphold the highest
ethical standards while prioritizing patient welfare and human dignity.
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