Ethical Obligations In Healthcare

During the current outbreak in West Africa Healthcare workers are frequently being infected with the virus while treating patients (WHO, 2015). During times of disease epidemics such as an Ebola outbreak it is commonly believed that Health Professionals have an obligation to care for patients even though it may posses a threat on them. This obligation has arisen from many ethical reasons. However there does seem to be vagueness to what degree this obligation stands. One reason this obligation applies to health professionals is highlighted under a deontologist view. That no matter what the consequences is, there is a moral rule that healthcare professionals should administer care in all circumstances (Sokol, 2006). It is about understanding

On the flipside we have the idea that Healthcare professionals should also have an obligation to themselves. So acting in a way that will not bring harm upon them. This can come from the impression of protecting their autonomy. So having the right to refuse giving care. Autonomy is the idea that people should have the right to govern themselves without an outside control (Varelius, 2006). It puts them in a position where they get to decide what is good or bad for them. It is about knowing what is right for you and doing it. Beauchamp and Childress (2009) highlight the idea that in having autonomy one should have liberty and agency. So having independence and the ability to make our own choices. In terms of an Ebola epidemic this would mean that Health professionals should have the choice to decide for them whether or not they should provide care or based on how they think it would impact them. And have the ability to make this choice independent of any other influences. Beauchamp and Childress (2009) state that although respect for autonomy is a strong moral principle it should not override or have more weight over other moral ideologies. So perhaps on its own it would not back the idea or give weight to the idea that health care professionals have an obligation to look after themselves during an Ebola

This would come under the obligations of the Government. So the Government has the obligation to protect health care professionals during an Ebola outbreak. This would also connect in with having the obligation to help its citizens during an Ebola epidemic as through aiding health care professionals means that citizens will get the care needed to care. Meaning both health care professionals and citizens would be protected. This obligation would also come under the human right to health. Even more so then it would apply to a health care professional. Having a right to a decent minimum of health definitely comes under the obligation of the government, as they are naturally the primary protector of human