Last week, we looked at whether there was money to be made in not curing a disease. A very controversial topic, the article generated a lot of strong opinions in the comments section that helped to discuss the matter even further. This week, we shall look at another such topic.
"Doctors should not be allowed to take strike action"
The statement above harkens back to the Hippocratic Oath vowed by all medical practitioners at the start of their careers: that they will do no harm to the patient. Tenets of the medical pillar of non-maleficence as well as those of beneficence would support the above statement considering how doctors going on strike would jeopardise patients present in the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) as well as those present inside the In-Patient Departments (IPDs) who may need their help at short-notice and may always require their assistance within reach. Being on strike would prevent medical practitioners and doctors from fulfilling the above duties and would be an indelible sacrilege on their vows and ethical principles. Furthermore, many novel treatments initiated by multidisciplinary teams (MTDs) would have to be suspended during strike action thus bringing a halt to such MTDs. If the MTDs no longer meet, the novel treatment would have to be halted which would bring a stop to medical advancements.
However, opponents of the above statement would argue that it unfairly holds doctors to higher standards compared to other human beings. This indignation harkens back to Shylock’s monologue in “The Merchant of Venice” wherein he laments how he too is “fed with the same food, hurt with the same weapons, subject to the same means.” Doctors too face the same difficulties as other human beings and must ensure they are adequately compensated for the work they do, so that they too can support their families. Additionally, if doctors do not protest that they are overworked, there will be no way for the authorities to know the same. Overworked doctors are more prone to committing errors and jeopardising the lives of their patients, effectively decreasing their productivity, and possibly even causing more harm to the patient than if they had just protested. Proponents of consequentialism would argue as a result that strike action by doctors is essential.
In conclusion, I would argue that while going on strike action could potentially put patient’s lives at risk, it is no different than what happens on weekends when there is still a skeleton force working at the hospital. Since this weekend system has worked quite well till now, the strike action system must not be that detrimental after all. Doctors are human beings as well, and if they are being wronged, they must be given a chance to voice their opinions too.
What do you think? Let me know by answering the poll on the right!
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