Medical ethics: what is it? Why is it important?

The changing context in which health care is provided has created new challenges for health workers, health researchers, and the broader health care of the community. Medical professionals increasingly find themselves confronted with moral questions and ethical dilemmas. The World Medical Association adopted the International Code of Medical Ethics. Other international ethics guidelines address special medical services such as blood transfusions and health care for patients living with HIV/AIDS. Given the importance of ethics in the medical profession, in 1969, the SMC adopted the MedicoLegal and Ethical Guidelines as the first national code concerning medical ethics in the country. It addresses justice, equity and access to medical care, as well as defending the general moral rights associated with medical care. New challenges are facing this document and the SMC as well because long time has passed since it had prepared this important document. New scopes of understanding and application of medical ethics may be needed to promote the medical profession. The objective of this document is to provide an overview of medical ethics in Sudan and to illustrate the importance of adhering to ethical standards in health and medical care.