Patients in rural settings may not have access to the same healthcare services that are offered in metropolitan cities. This situation is the violation of an ethical principle called

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KGMU Nursing Officer 2023 Memory-Based Previous Year Paper

Answer 1

Correct Answer: Justice

Rationale:

Justice is an ethical principle that emphasizes fairness and equality in the distribution of resources, opportunities, and services. In the context of healthcare, justice requires that all individuals, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status, have equitable access to healthcare services and resources.
The statement highlights the disparity in healthcare services between rural settings and metropolitan cities. This unequal access violates the principle of justice because it undermines fairness and equality in the provision of healthcare services to patients based on their geographic location.
The principle of justice is foundational to ethical decision-making in healthcare, ensuring that no group is marginalized or disadvantaged in receiving care.

Additional Information:

Healthcare disparities in rural areas often stem from factors such as limited infrastructure, fewer healthcare providers, and economic challenges. Addressing these disparities is a critical step toward upholding the principle of justice and promoting equal access to care.
Ethical frameworks in healthcare often advocate for policies and interventions aimed at reducing inequalities and improving access to services for underserved populations.

Explanation of Other Options:

Autonomy

Rationale: Autonomy refers to an individual's right to make informed decisions about their own healthcare. It emphasizes respect for the patient's ability to choose and act independently. While important, autonomy is not directly related to disparities in access to healthcare services, which is the issue discussed in the statement.

Beneficence

Rationale: Beneficence is the principle of acting in the best interest of the patient, promoting their well-being, and preventing harm. While beneficence drives healthcare providers to offer the best possible care, the issue in the statement pertains to systemic inequality in access, which is more closely aligned with justice.

Non-maleficence

Rationale: Non-maleficence is the obligation to "do no harm" and avoid actions that could negatively impact the patient. While disparities in healthcare access could indirectly cause harm, this principle primarily focuses on preventing harm rather than addressing systemic inequalities.

Conclusion:

The principle of justice directly addresses the issue of unequal access to healthcare services in rural versus metropolitan areas. It emphasizes fairness and equality in the distribution of healthcare resources and calls for interventions to address disparities. The other options, while important ethical principles, do not specifically address systemic inequalities in access to care.