Applying the code of medical ethics in the context of a pandemic: COVID-19 in Sri Lanka

Abstract

When thinking of something that would kill millions of people, a pandemic is the greatest risk. The outbreaks hit much harder to the lowerincome nations, given the lack of access to basic health services, health infrastructure, and effective infection control mechanisms. In this context, ethical aspects related to equity in resource allocation, selective vaccination, clinical trials involving human subjects, limitation of personal freedom such as quarantine regulations, and so forth need to be addressed by the healthcare professionals. Therefore, a recognized clinical ethics scheme is imperative to balance individual and population rights during the response to an outbreak.