Code of Ethics for the Ghana Health Service: Scenario 3
- An elderly female patient presents at a clinic for treatment for severe influenza. The doctor on call notices that her body is covered in bruises and she appears emaciated. In reply to questions the patient says that makes beadwork and is the sole breadwinner for herself and her two adult children. She says that her unmarried son and divorced daughter, who stay with her, confiscate what little money she earns, and use most of it for themselves. They leave a small amount for her to buy food. If she resists handing over all her money, they beat her.
- How should the doctor handle the situation to ensure that he acts in an ethical and legal manner?