International Medical Law

This volume provides a comprehensive analysis of the history, development and other legal aspects relating to International Medical Law and covers issues arising from not only the physician-patient relationship, but also with many wider juridical relations involved in the broader field of medical care in the international arena.

After a general introduction, the book examines the evolution of medical law in different civilizations that existed all over the world. It systematically describes the sources of this law from conventions, treaties along with discussing the important role played by the courts, international institutions and other bodies related to the medical field. The comprehensive coverage includes public health law, international spread and prevention of diseases. This volume covers medical ethics and clinical ethics; considerations to facets of the medical professionals and patients relationship such as rights and responsibilities of the physicians, beneficence, consent, privacy, rights of patients and risk management. Also covered are issues of international concern like medical criminal activities, human and drug trafficking, trade in human organs, human medical research, as well as matters dealing with bio-technology in relation to bio-safety, bio-security, bio-genetics, bio-ethics, and the role of medical personnel in armed conflicts.

The International Medical Law relating to disability and mental health has also been considered. It sheds light on the historical background of trans-genders, HIV, the regulation and manufacture of medicines along with coverage of increasing medical tourism in various countries and the risks involved. The concept of euthanasia and sterilization as per the international scenario also finds inclusion along with the dispute settlement mechanisms of the medical field.

Succinct and practical, this book will prove to be of great value to professionals and professional organizations of physicians, nurses, hospitals, and relevant government and international agencies. Lawyers representing parties with interests in International Medical Law will welcome this very useful guide, and academics and researchers will appreciate its value as a contribution to the study of medical law in the international context.