Ethical Dilemmas in Malaysian Healthcare: Navigating Complex Challenges faced by Medical professionals

Abstract

Ethical dilemmas in Malaysian healthcare present complex challenges for medical professionals, particularly in balancing patient care with systemic constraints. Issues such as resource allocation, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, forced healthcare providers to prioritize certain patients over others, leading to difficult moral decisions about care deprioritization. Additionally, the principal-agent problem complicates relationships between physicians and patients, often resulting in conflicts of interest where physicians may prioritize financial incentives over patient welfare. There is a pressing need for robust ethical frameworks and training to equip healthcare professionals with the tools to navigate these dilemmas effectively while ensuring equitable patient care.