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Doctors around the world, especially those who have taken up social causes have
made it their ethical duty to discourage people from smoking, and to make
certain that society as a whole is not burdened by the cost of the consequences
of smoking. They have lent their voice to bring about change in public policy
and business practices. Nobody regards this as unethical activity. As a result
of their action, smoking is now banned in public places in many countries,
including in many privately operated businesses such as airplanes and
restaurants. With regard to whether businesses would make bigger profits or
losses as a result of the anti-smoking campaign or not, it is not the concern
of doctors. Their intent is simply to ensure by professional or social action
that people do not die from diseases caused or contributed to by smoking. Here
for example is an organization of doctors who have taken up the anti-smoking
cause:
http://www.smoke-free.ca/
Cheers,
Santosh
P.S. BTW, the premium cost burden of smokers in Goa, which is now borne by
non-smokers, can be reduced by lowering the premiums of non-smokers relative to
smokers. This would either reduce profits for the insurance company, or produce
no net change in its revenue.
----- Original Message -----
RESPONSE :
Dr. Shekar Salkar is not right, he is wrong and he’s being unethical. In the
very first place a clinician is supposed to approach any issue concerning
humanity in a compassionate manner. Secondly, LIC is Insurance business, and no
doctor worth his Hippocratic Oath will advise any business institution to
charge some humans extra charges
because he is addicted to smoking. It is okay for businessmen or politicians to
advise so. Can any doctor advise a private businessman owned hospital to fleece
patients who are to be hospitalised for substance abuse? Can a doctor advise
fleecing of a
patient with HIV or STD because he got the disease by choice? As I have said
earlier, not all who have graduated in the medical field are carved to be a
humane one.
Dr. Ferdinando dos Reis Falcão.
