GENEVA DECLARATION (12 OCTOBER 1949)

1. Solemnly pledge myself to consecrate my life to the service of humanity.

2. I will give to my teachers the respect and gratitude which is their due.

3. I will practice my profession with conscience and dignity.

4. Health of my patient will be my first consideration.

5. I will respect the secrets, which are confided to me.

6. I will maintain by all means in my power, the honour and noble tradition of medical profession.

7. My colleagues will be my brothers.

8. I will not permit considerations of religion, nationality, race, party politics or social standing to intervene between my duty and my patient.

9. I will remain the utmost respect for human life from the time of conception.

10. Even under threat I will not use my medical knowledge contrary to the laws of humanity.

I make these promises solemnly, freely and upto my honour.

HIPOCRATIC OATH

I swear by Appollo the healer, by Aesculapius, by heath and all the powers of healing, and call to witness all the gods and goddesses that I may keep this Oath and promise to the best of my ability and my judgement.

I will pay the same respect to my master in the Science as to my parents and share my life with him and pay all my debts to him. I will regard his sons as my brothers and teach them the Science, if they desire to learn it, without fee or contract. I will hand on precepts, lectures and all other learning to my sons, to those of my master and to those pupils duly apprenticed and sworn, and to none other.

I will use my power to help the sick to the best of my ability and judgement; I will abstain from harming or wronging any man by it.

I will not give a fatal draught to any one if I am asked, nor will I suggest any such thing. Neither will I give a woman means to procure an abortion. I will be chaste and religios in my life and in my practice.

I will not cut, even for the stone, but I will leave such procedures to the practioners of that craft.

Whenever, I go into house I will go the help the sick and never with the intention of doing harm or injury. I will not abuse my position to indulge in sexual contacts with the bodies of women or of men, whether they be freemen or slave. Whatever I see or hear, professionally or privately, which ought not to be divulged, I will keep secret and tell no one.

If, therefore, I observe this Oath and do not violate it, may I prosper both in my life and in my profession, earning good repute among all men for all time. If I transgress and forswear this OATH, may my lot be otherwise.

Hippocrates, The Greek Physician (460-377 BC)