A world of difference: an ethical analysis of medical missions to developing countries
Olthuis, G.; Rol, M.L.; de Blaauw, I.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde 158: A7947
2014
ISSN/ISBN: 1876-8784 PMID: 25492731 Document Number: 676046
This article concerns an ethical analysis of medical missions to developing countries. Our starting point is a case study. The concept of 'responsibility' plays a key role in the analysis. Responsibility for the results and responsibility for recovery can be reviewed on a personal level, as well as on a national and global level. In order to reduce the differences in healthcare between developed and less developed countries, responsibility will have to be taken on a national and global level, so that the help provided might last. Until then, healthcare providers will have to decide whether to participate in medical missions, expressing their personal responsibility in that way.