PRAJJAL DAM (Dev) 29 December 2020

treatment

can a doctor refuse to treat a cancer patient if he or she thinks that patient may die on further treatment without consulting the patient on this matter??especially for cancer patients

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This discussion explores whether a doctor can ethically refuse to treat a cancer patient, particularly if they believe further treatment might be futile or lead to death, without patient consultation. While doctors generally have the right to choose patients, ethical guidelines often suggest treating patients until the very end, especially in emergency situations. The advice leans towards focusing on securing treatment for the patient rather than engaging in disputes.

4 Replies

175B083 Mahesh P S 30 December 2020

Hello,

Yes they can refuse to treat someone unless and until there’s an emergency. As per the rights and privileges enjoyed by the medical practitioner, a doctor has the right to choose his patient. If its an emergency situation why don’t you go for a second opinion on the matter. If other doctors also think of the situation the same way then the doctor might be within his rights refusing to treat.

Thank you

P. Venu (Advocate) 30 December 2020

Please post material facts.

G.L.N. Prasad (Retired employee.) 30 December 2020

Take care of the patient first, and focus on getting such treatment for a terminally ill patients, instead of entering into a fight with a hospital that is unwilling to treat...

Dr J C Vashista (Advocate) 31 December 2020

Originally posted by : PRAJJAL DAM (Dev)
	can a doctor refuse to treat a cancer patient if he or she thinks that patient may die on further treatment without consulting the patient on this matter??especially for cancer patients