杏MAP导航

Seminar on the Ethics of Health, 1st October 2018 Seminar on the Ethics of Health, 1st October 2018 

杏MAP导航: No aid institution can replace human compassion

In an address to the participants of the IV Seminar on Ethics in Health, 杏MAP导航 Francis stresses the importance of forming a bond of profound humanity between health workers and their patients.

By Francesca Merlo

杏MAP导航 Francis based his speech around 3 key words: miracle, care and trust. These three words are very valuable in a world in which health in general 鈥渁nd particularly in Latin America, is living through an era marked by the economic crisis鈥, said the 杏MAP导航.

A brother in every face

With regards to the first word, 鈥榤iracle鈥, the 杏MAP导航 said, 鈥淭hose responsible for the institutions will tell me, and rightfully so, that we cannot perform 尘颈谤补肠濒别蝉鈥. But, he explained, a miracle is not doing the impossible. A miracle is looking at an ill, helpless person and seeing a brother.

The 杏MAP导航 explained that 鈥渨e are called upon to recognise the immense value of every person鈥檚 dignity, as a human being, as a son of God鈥. This, cannot fix every hitch of society, but it can 鈥渃lear the way for change鈥, in our minds and in our society.

The value of giving and receiving love

The second word: care. Because curing an ill person does not simply involve applying pharmaceuticals. 鈥淲e know that when someone who is terminally ill is in serene, human company, they perceive this solidarity.鈥 Even in these difficult cases, when the person can feel such love, respect and acceptance, the value of their being becomes their capability to give and receive love, not their productivity鈥, said 杏MAP导航 Francis.

One鈥檚 life in the hands of another

The final word is 鈥榯rust鈥. 杏MAP导航 Francis鈥 first example, is 鈥渢he trust the ill person has in themselves, that they will get better鈥. Of no less importance is the worker, who must be able to work in a serene atmosphere, in trusted surroundings.

鈥淧lacing yourself in the hands of someone else, especially when your life is at risk, is very difficult鈥 said 杏MAP导航 Francis. The relationship between a doctor and their patient has always been based on responsibility and loyalty.

Carrying hope to those who need it most

鈥淲e must fight to keep this deeply human bond whole鈥 said 杏MAP导航 Francis. 鈥淣o aid institution alone can take the place of a human heart, nor that of human compassion.鈥, he said, quoting 杏MAP导航 Saint John Paul II.

杏MAP导航 Francis concluded by urging those present to carry hope and happiness to as many families as possible who, perhaps, have none.

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01 October 2018, 16:19