Integrating Business Ethics and Medical Ethics in Obstetrics & Gynecology Practice

A mother arrives at a hospital with the hope of receiving the best possible care for herself and her baby. Yet behind every medical decision made by physicians, there are often additional considerations—ranging from financial pressures and insurance policies to hospital revenue targets. How can doctors maintain professional integrity while the healthcare business must continue to operate? This critical question became the central focus of the Raboan Discussion Forum, organized by the Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities (CBMH), Universitas Gadjah Mada, on Wednesday, 27 August 2025, from 13:00 to 14:30 WIB.

Carrying the theme “Integrating Business Ethics and Medical Ethics in Obstetrics & Gynecology Practice,” the forum featured Prof. Dr. dr. Rajuddin, SpOG(K), Subsp. FER as the main speaker, with NS Wahyu Dewi Sulistyarini, M.S.N. serving as moderator.

In his presentation, Prof. Rajuddin emphasized the importance of achieving a balance between medical ethics and business ethics in Obstetrics and Gynecology practice. Issues such as overtreatment driven by financial targets, patient discrimination based on socioeconomic status, and the risk of commercialization in fertility services were highlighted as tangible examples of ethical dilemmas frequently encountered in clinical settings.

Furthermore, he underlined that well-implemented business ethics can, in fact, reinforce medical ethics. Cross-subsidy schemes, for instance, may help ensure equitable access to healthcare for underprivileged patients, while profits generated from premium services can be allocated to improving facilities, supporting research, and enhancing the training of healthcare professionals.

The discussion was also closely linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. By integrating business and medical ethics, healthcare systems are expected to deliver services that are sustainable, equitable, and dignified, while simultaneously strengthening public trust in healthcare institutions.

The event received a strong and enthusiastic response, with participants joining from a wide range of institutions, including hospitals, educational institutions, and health organizations across Indonesia. The diversity of participants enriched the discussion, bringing interdisciplinary perspectives that further underscored the relevance of this topic to everyday healthcare practice.

Through this regular forum, CBMH UGM reaffirms its commitment to fostering critical and solution-oriented discussions on bioethics and the medical humanities, in support of more just, high-quality, and sustainable healthcare services in Indonesia.

Watch the full discussion on the CBMH UGM YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WImScaUqbO4

Reporter: Rafi