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Medical Ethics and Healthcare Policies: Balancing Patient Rights and Public Health
Abstract
Medical ethics and healthcare policies play a crucial role in balancing the rights of individual patients with the broader imperatives of public health. This paper examines the ethical principles and policy frameworks that underpin decision-making in healthcare, with a focus on the tension between autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. Key topics include informed consent, patient confidentiality, end-of-life care, resource allocation, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies, such as gene editing and artificial intelligence. Additionally, the paper explores the role of healthcare professionals, policymakers, and regulatory bodies in navigating ethical dilemmas and promoting patient-centered care. By synthesizing ethical theories, case studies, and legal perspectives, this paper aims to foster dialogue and critical reflection on the ethical dimensions of healthcare practice and policy formulation.
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