Ethics & Human Rights in TB Care

Submitted by celina on Thu, 10/12/2009 - 11:13

With the recent establishment of two separate WHO/Stop TB task forces, one on Ethics and the other on Human Rights, a number of issues have been raised that should have wider input. The following survey is the first of a series of quick-questionnaires to 'Take the Pulse' of the broad based TB Community - patients, professionals, programmers and public in affected communities - on ethical and rights issues.

Among many ethical considerations for this diverse TB Community, discussions of the relationship between public health organizations and the pharmaceutical industry have not been 'on the the agenda'. So, documenting the views and opinions of many is a step towards building consensus, and developing 'healthy' transparent practices.

Human Rights have long been ignored in TB 'Control', but are a foundation for improving care as outlined in the International Standards and the Patients' Charter for TB Care. Moving forward, your views on some specific current issues are sought.

Would you consider the following practices to be violations of Human Rights?:

Comments

"If I ever get TB again I will not go back to the Gov't hospital

Too many people in this district suffer from TB. Too many suffer this disease and also the stigma that comes down. If the health programs would respect human rights of patients, the suffering would be much decreased and the spread of the disease in the district too. When I was sick with TB, the gov't hospital treated me like I was a dirty beast or worse. I was rudely treated and not trusted to even take my tabs, but was told to show respect and trust the nurses and doctors. It took 18 month of different tablets the side effects were bad but being seen as lowly animal was the worst part. The govt should respect people and the right of patients. until then if I ever get TB again I will not go back to the Gov't hospital.

Submitted by Ramya2000 on Sun, 20/12/2009 - 09:45.