H1N1 Influenza Pandemic: Need for solutions to Ethical problems

oleh: PRATEEK bhatia, ANIL KUMAR GUPTA

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: Mattioli1885 2014-08-01

Deskripsi

The rapid spread of the novel H1N1 swine-origin Influenza virus led to widespread fear, panic and unrest in the public and healthcare personnel. The pandemic not only tested the world health preparedness but also brought about new ethical issues which needed early addressal. The present review article tries to highlight the ethical issues and proposes suggestions to provide ethical answers to the same. The main ethical issues which are likely to crop pertain to distribution of scarce resources, prioritization of antiviral drugs and vaccines, obligations of healthcare workers and adequate dissemination and proper communication of information related to the pandemic. However more important is to plan in advance on how to confront these issues ethically and the same is possible only when a comprehensive Contingency Plan is prepared with involvement and in consultation with all concerned stakeholders.