Section 1. The primary objective of the practice of medicine is service to mankind irrespective of race, age, disease, disability, gender, sexual orientation, social standing, creed or political affiliation. In medical practice, reward or financial gain should be a subordinate consideration.
Section 2. On entering the profession, a physician assumes the obligation of maintaining the honorable tradition that confers the well-deserved title of a “friend of mankind.” The physician should cherish proper pride in the calling and conduct himself/herself in accordance with this Code and the generally accepted principles of the International Code of Medical Ethics.
Section 3. Physicians should fulfill the civic duties of a good citizen, must conform to the laws, and cooperate with the proper authorities in the application of medical knowledge for the promotion of the common welfare.
Section 4. Physicians should work together in harmony and mutual respect.
Section 5. Physicians should cooperate with and safeguard the interest, reputation, and dignity of paramedical and other health professionals.
Section 6. Physicians should be upright, diligent, sober, modest, and well-versed in both the science and the art of the profession.
Section 7. The promotion and advancement of the health of the patients should be prioritized over the benefits of the physicians and the health products industries.
Section 1. A physician should be dedicated to providing competent medical care with full professional skill in accordance with the current standards of care, compassion, independence, and respect for human dignity.
Section 2. A physician should be free to choose patients.
Section 3. In an emergency, provided there is no risk to his or her safety, a physician should administer at least first aid treatment and then refer the patient to the primary physician and/or to a more competent health provider and appropriate facility if necessary.
Section 4. In serious/difficult cases, or when the circumstances of the patient or the family so demand or justify, the attending physician should seek the assistance of the appropriate specialist.
Section 5. A physician should exercise good faith and honesty in expressing opinion/s as to the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of a case under his/her care. A physician shall respect the right of the patient to refuse medical treatment. Timely notice of the worsening of the disease should be given to the patient and/or family. A physician shall not conceal nor exaggerate the patient’s condition except when it is to the latter’s best interest. A physician shall obtain from the patient voluntary informed consent. In the case of unconsciousness or in a state of mental deficiency, the informed consent may be given by a spouse or immediate relatives and, in the absence of both, by the party authorized by an advanced directive of the patient. Informed consent in the case of a minor should be given by the parents or guardian, members of the immediate family that are of legal age.
Section 6. The physician should hold as sacred and highly confidential whatever may be discovered or learned pertinent to the patient even after death, except when required in the promotion of justice, safety, and public health.
Section 7. Professional fees should be commensurate with the services rendered with due consideration to the patient’s financial status, nature of the case, time consumed, and the professional standing and skill of the physician in the community.
Section 1. A physician should cooperate with the duly constituted health authorities in the education and enforcement of laws and regulations for the promotion of health. Furthermore, in times of epidemic and public calamity, except when his or her personal safety is at stake, the physician must attend to the victims, alert the public and duly constituted health authorities on the dangers of communicable diseases and enforce measures for prevention and cure in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations.
Section 2. A physician shall assist the government in the administration of justice in accordance with the law. He/she may be accorded a fair and just remuneration when called upon as an expert witness.
Section 3. A physician is encouraged to expose and report to the proper authorities unlicensed medical practitioners, charlatans and quacks in as much as their nefarious practices may cause injury to health and life. A physician should never condone nor connive with such fake health providers.