Doctors have been told how to handle ethical dilemmas that could see them charged with corruption after the anti-graft watchdog received 4,300 complaints in the past three years. The Hong Kong Medical Association (HKMA) has launched a guidebook entitled Integrity in Practice, which contains case studies based on complaints received by the Independent Commission Against Corruption. ICAC regional officer Vanessa So Cheung Lai-ying said the number of complaints had remained stable between 2000 and 2002. 'Over this period we have had three prosecutions against doctors, so it's not a real problem among the medical profession but we wish to promote integrity,' Mrs So said. To avoid acting unethically, Mrs So said doctors should ask themselves four questions: Is it a breach of anti-corruption laws?; Does it breach the medical profession's code of conduct?; Does it conflict with personal values?; and Would they be bothered if any of the details were to become public? HKMA president Dr Lo Wing-lok said the book was designed in consultation with medical practitioners with the aim of assisting doctors with ethical dilemmas and offering guidance on issues such as bribery, fraud, conflict of interest and improper acceptance of sponsorships and donations. 'For instance, if a doctor promotes a service to a patient, if he promotes a home for the elderly but has shares in it, then this should be disclosed,' Dr Lo said.
