According to the Principles of Medical Ethics, healthcare personnel must avoid which behavior?

Healthcare personnel are bound by the Principles of Medical Ethics, which emphasize the importance of respecting the dignity, rights, and well-being of all individuals. One fundamental aspect of these principles is the prohibition against participating in torture or degrading treatment. Engaging in such actions not only violates ethical standards but also undermines the integrity of the medical profession. Medical personnel have a responsibility to uphold human rights and to protect the vulnerable, which includes refusing to be complicit in any form of inhumane treatment.

The ethical obligation to avoid participation in torture aligns with the broader principles of beneficence and non-maleficence, which focus on acting in the best interest of patients and avoiding harm. When healthcare workers are involved in torture, they betray their duty to care for individuals and instead contribute to their suffering, contradicting the core tenets of medical ethics that prioritize healing and compassion.

In contrast, the other behaviors listed—providing adequate care to all detainees, documenting medical interactions, and administering pain relief medication—are all consistent with ethical medical practice. These actions are essential for ensuring the health and well-being of detainees and adhering to established medical standards and practices.