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Ethical Prescribing

Meaning

Ethical prescribing is the professional obligation for healthcare practitioners to select and dispense therapeutic agents in a manner that prioritizes the patient’s well-being, autonomy, and justice, adhering strictly to moral and legal guidelines. This practice necessitates a careful consideration of the clinical indication, the potential benefits versus risks, cost-effectiveness, and the patient’s informed consent and preference. It demands clinical competence and the avoidance of undue influence from commercial interests, ensuring that the prescribed regimen is truly in the best interest of the individual patient. Maintaining integrity in this clinical decision-making process is fundamental to the physician-patient relationship.