The ethics of doctors and big business

Abstract

Ethically conducted medical treatment puts the healthcare needs of patients first, ahead of profit, but corporations may pressure GPs to act as their agents instead of the patient's agent. The medical profession requires an industrial code outlining the specific conditions needed to maintain high standards of medical practice. Health professional organisations also need a code of conduct. Recent legislation should limit the influence of corporations on doctors: non-medical directors of medical corporations can now be fined or disqualified if they are party to professional misconduct by medical practitioners, and GPs can be prosecuted for offering or accepting pecuniary benefits for referrals. Doctors need to act now to implement systems which protect the public interest and professional standards before the influence of corporatisation becomes pervasive, and leads to increased legislation and regulation of medical practice.