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Islamic Code of Medical Ethics

Doctor - Doctor Relationship

A doctor is a brother to every doctor and a fellow companion in the noblest mission that is a direct answer to God's commandment in the Qoran: "And help one another in charity and piety but help not one another in sin and rancour".

Physicians are jointly responsible for the health care of the Nation and complement one another through the variety of their medical specialization be they preventive or therapeutic, in the private sector or in State employment all abiding by the ethics and rules of their profession.

As a professional group in the Nation, Doctor's are collectively responsible for drawing plans and taking measures and developing traditions and regulations that are necessary to enable them collectively and individually to carry out their duties as bestt as possible. Within their fraternity. a Doctor should respect his fellow Doctor in his absence. He should offer him advice and/or help whenever sought. A Doctor shall not eat his brother's flesh by speaking ill of him from behind his back nor shall he pursue his shortcomings or tarnish his reputation or exhibit his deficits; He shall never extend a harmine; hand to his brother. This does not absolve the doctor however, from absolute honesty when giving legal testimony or aiding in the prevention of a crime: according to the dictates of the Law.

The mutual relation between Physicians is additive and not competitive and collaboration in good faith for the best interests of the patient.

If more than one doctor handle the patient medical data should not be with- held from the treating doctor(s).

These data should be conveyed in a clear lucid talk or neat legible writing.

These data should be kept in confidence, within the boundaries of the medical circle without leakage.

If in doubt, it is the duty of the Doctor (and the right of the patient) that consultation should be arranged or the case referred to a specialist. This is also inspired by the Qoranic saying:, Ask of the people who possess the message if you do not know".

The specialist will take whatever steps he deems necessary but he shall keep the referring Doctor informed about the current and subsequent happenings.

It is a Doctor's duty to avail his juniors of the fruits of his experience, knowledge and acumen. He should provide for their education and training for "The concealer of knowledge is cursed', and because it is in answer to the rights of colleagues, patients and the profession at large from one generation to another.

In this context it is worthly to remember the Prophet's saying: 'When the son-of-Adam dies he is completely cut off except from three things: a running charity, knowledge that be had taught and remains put to good use and virtuous progeny praying God for him.

Doctors shall be also mutually cooperative and shall promptly rally to the aid of one another if inflicted by sickness affecting a colleague or a member of his family, as well as under conditions of stress, need, disability or death.

At this age the Doctor is hardly the individualist he was in old for medical care nowadays is given by a team comprising apart from the Doctor-nursing, 1aboratory, physiotherapy, social service and other personnel. The doctor shall foster the team spirit and perfect cooperation so that the team achieves best results in patient care.

This code shall be binding also to all personnel of all ranks in all fields of health care.

 
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