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Medical ethics conventions in some countries around the world

This article provides information on medical ethics conventions in some countries around the world. It helps readers better understand the ethical standards and principles that international medical professionals adhere to to ensure service quality and protect the rights of patients. The article also emphasizes the importance of maintaining professional ethics in the global medical industry, in order to build trust and reputation for the medical industry. Understanding these ethical conventions will help medical professionals perform their work professionally and responsibly.

Hippocrates and the Hippocratic Oath

Hippocrates (about 460 - 370 BC) was an ancient Greek physician and is considered the father of Western medicine. He was the initiator of scientific medicine in the context of the Greek medical system at that time being a system of healing that was half medicine and half witchcraft and of course was fiercely opposed. Because he was ahead of his time, opposing the old ways associated with tyranny, Hippocrates was imprisoned for 20 years. While in prison, his brilliant mind refused to accept his fate as a prisoner and wrote the book "The Complex Body" about the human body, many of which are still true today.

The “Hippocratic Oath” is the oath that physicians take when entering the profession. In Vietnam, it is also called the “Medical Ethics Oath”. Over time and in a space almost all over the world, the Hippocratic Oath has many different versions. However, the original version of the Hippocratic Oath is preserved in many countries as follows:

“I swear by Apollo, the healer, Asclepius, Hygieia and Panacea, and I testify to all the gods and goddesses, I keep, according to my ability and judgment, the following oath:

Love, as my parents, the person who taught me this subject; live in harmony with him and, if necessary, share his possessions with him; care for his children as my brothers and sisters and teach them this subject.

I will prescribe for the benefit of my patients, according to my ability and judgment, and never to harm anyone.

I would never give a lethal drug to anyone who asked me and would not advise such a plan; nor would I give any woman an abortion device.

But I will keep my life and my career pure.

I will not operate to remove stones, even in patients who appear to have this disease; I will reserve the operation to physicians who are experts in this disease.

Every house I enter, I enter for the benefit of my patients, preserving myself from all evil intentions and all temptations and especially from the pleasures of love with women or with men, whether they be free or slaves.

Everything I know in the course of my practice or in my dealings with others, which should not be disclosed, I will keep secret and will never disclose.

If I keep this oath faithfully, I will enjoy my life and practice my profession, respected by all forever; but if I go astray and break my oath, the opposite will happen to me.”