A physician is caring for an indigent 37-year-old male patient with no health insurance, who is admitted to the hospital with acute pancreatitis related to alcohol abuse. The administrator questions whether this patient is entitled to health care because he did not take responsibility for his actions leading to this condition and he has no health insurance plan. What is the ethical principle guiding the physician's actions?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ethical principle guiding the physician's actions is justice. Justice relates to fairness and equitable treatment for all individuals, regardless of their social status, financial means, or personal circumstances. In this case, the physician must provide appropriate medical care to the patient, regardless of whether or not the patient has health insurance or if he is responsible for his condition. It is the ethical duty of the physician to treat all patients equally, without prejudice or bias.

A Physician Is Caring for an Indigent 37-Year-Old Male Patient