A physician's perspective on GMA medical issue

The issue of former president GMA’s medical condition and legal responsibilities have been expounded profusely by legal and political luminaries in the media. However, its medical and human rights aspects were disregarded.

In the practice of their trade doctors are obliged by the Code of Ethics to protect, to restore and promote health and to respect patient’s autonomy after an informed consent. Interpreted, it means when a physician accepts a patient under his/her care, the doctor has the duty to make an honest diagnosis and appraise the patient of the illness as evidence indicated. The doctor has to make the patient understand his/her actual state of illness or health; what is best to be done, what will be the consequence if no treatment is administered, what will be the probabilities if treated, inclusive of the financial responsibilities. After all the explanation, it is the absolute right of the patient to decide as to the choice of doctor, facility or health care or circumstance he/she chooses to preserve and promote her/his life, health and well-being.

Any humane, civilized government is expected to respect such right. When the health problem is appropriately and successfully addressed, then the political, legal or other considerations are attended.

Long time ago, a prisoner was scheduled to be executed in the US, the American Medical Association position was to suspend the execution on account of the pregnant state of the convict. The courts and the State obliged and stood by. As civilized and humane people we can act no less. After former president GMA medical care is consummated, due process may follow to render justice to all concerned. —