Today is our topic of discussion Declaration of Geneva
Declaration of Geneva
History:
The Declaration of Geneva was adopted by the General Assembly of the World Medical Association at Geneva in 1948.
Definition:
It is the declaration of physician’s dedication to the humanitarian goals of medicine. which was especially important in view of the medical crimes committed in Nazi Germany.
The Declaration of Geneva was intended to update the Oath of Hippocrates, which was no longer suited to modern conditions.
Oath of Geneva:
The following oath of Geneva (or Geneva Declaration) reads at the time of being admitted as a member of the medical profession. It has following components-
- I solemnly pledge myself to consecrate my life to the service of humanity;
- I will give to my teachers the respect and gratitude which is their due;
- I will practice my profession with conscience and dignity:
- The health of my patient will be my first consideration;
- I will respect the secrets which are confided in me, even after the patient has died;
- I will maintain by all the means in my power, the honor and the noble traditions of the medical profession;
- My colleagues will be my sisters and brothers;
- I will not permit considerations of age, disease or disability, creed, ethnic origin, gender, nationality, political affiliation, race, sexual orientation, or social standing to intervene between my duty and my patient;
- I will maintain the utmost respect for human life from its beginning even under threat and i will not use my medical knowledge contrary to the laws of humanity;
- I make these promises solemnly, freely and upon my honor.
Difference between Hippocratic Oath and Geneva declaration:
- Hippocratic Oath condemns criminal abortion but nothing is put regarding the matter in Geneva declaration. Even few countries allow it upto certain period. Due to strict prohibition of abortion some Christians follow the Hippocratic-Oath.
- Hippocratic-Oath encourages admit to medical profession anyone who wish, but in Geneva declaration, the admitted person must have some basic biological idea.
- Hippocratic-Oath has been formulated in the middle age by the said ‘father of medicne’ individually. But the Geneva declaration formulated by an association (WMA) in 1948.
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