Nursing Media Network

Submitted by the editors of the Innovation and Criticism Board of the Nursing Media Network to innovation.criticism@nursing-tv.com, this insightful exploration delves into the ethical challenges confronting healthcare professionals amidst turmoil. The article examines a newly developed code of ethics, illustrating a collective commitment to uphold ethical standards amid adversity, especially in the care of patients facing the brunt of conflict-driven crises.

In tumultuous times, healthcare professionals encounter immense challenges, often contending with ethical dilemmas that profoundly impact patient care.

Recent events in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have highlighted the precarious situation faced by health workers and patients alike. Incidents of violence targeting healthcare facilities, personnel, and patients in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory have raised significant ethical concerns.

Amidst the chaos, Al Shifa Hospital has emerged as a focal point, symbolizing the profound civilian suffering amidst conflicting narratives from Israeli authorities, Palestinian health institutions, and Hamas.

Israel contends that Al Shifa operates atop an extensive network of tunnels housing the headquarters of Hamas in Gaza. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), asserted on October 27th that Israel possessed “concrete evidence” showcasing the hospital’s use by Hamas. Visual evidence and intercepted audio were presented as proof of the organization’s headquarters located within Al Shifa.

This claim was supported by Avi Dichter, former Minister of Internal Security and Shin Bet director, who asserted in 2009 that it was common knowledge among Gazan Palestinians that Hamas utilized Al-Shifa for its operations, despite Hamas repeatedly denying these allegations.

Conversely, Hamas and hospital staff vehemently refute these claims, alleging that Israeli forces have confined patients and civilians within the hospital premises under dire conditions.

Dr. Ahmed Mokhallalati, a plastic surgeon at Al-Shifa, refuted the allegations, affirming that only civilians were present within the hospital. He highlighted the prevalence of tunnels under various structures in Gaza, including Al-Shifa.

The hospital gained attention prior to the October attack due to a damning report by Amnesty International, implicating Hamas in alleged interrogations and torture of individuals within a clinic situated at Al-Shifa.

In light of these conflicting claims, Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, urged Israel to grant access to Gaza for an impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding Al Shifa Hospital. Türk emphasized the necessity of verifying claims from both parties to ensure an unbiased assessment.

The situation at Al Shifa raises pertinent questions regarding adherence to international humanitarian law (IHL) governing the conduct of warfare. While IHL aims to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, it stipulates that protection can be forfeited if civilian spaces are used for military purposes, transforming them into legitimate military targets.

Notably, major international healthcare organizations, including the World Medical Association (WMA), International Committee of Military Medicine (ICMM), International Council of Nurses (ICN), and International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), representing over 30 million professionals from both military and civilian sectors, have endorsed the “Ethical Principles of Health Care in Times of Armed Conflict and Other Emergencies.” This unprecedented code of ethics outlines fundamental principles guiding healthcare relationships and addresses issues such as discrimination, confidentiality, and torture during crises.

It is imperative to ensure adherence to these ethical guidelines amidst armed conflicts and emergencies, safeguarding healthcare workers’ ability to uphold ethical standards even in the most challenging of circumstances. These principles serve as essential tools for healthcare professionals in negotiating ethical boundaries with relevant authorities, contributing to the preservation of ethical healthcare practices during times of crisis.

This alignment of international healthcare organizations underscores a unified commitment to upholding ethical standards in the face of adversity, ensuring that the well-being of patients remains a paramount concern amid conflict-ridden scenarios.

READ: Future Nurses Assembly

• Alarming Rates of Workplace Injuries Among Nurses Prompt Urgent Concern, Affirms Union President”
• Al Shifa Hospital’s Moral Conundrum: Upholding Healthcare Ethics Amid Nationalistic Strife
• BBN Rico: We condemn “Gutter Journalism” attacks on the nursing profession
• Ultimate Guide: Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination
• The Philippine Board of Nursing: Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)