The ethics of doctors and big business

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 c onditions needed to maintain high standards of medical practice. Health pro fessional organisations also need a code of conduct. Recent legislation should limit the influence of corporations on doctors: n on-medical directors of medical corporations can now be fined or disqualifi ed if they are party to professional misconduct by medical practitioners, a nd GPs can be prosecuted for offering or accepting pecuniary benefits for r eferrals. Doctors need to act now to implement systems which protect the public inter est and professional standards before the influence of corporatisation beco mes pervasive, and leads to increased legislation and regulation of medical practice.