1. INTRODUCTION:
The IHSAN Code of Ethics is:
To guide members of the Institute on the standard of professional practice.
To prescribe the code of conduct which members are expected to uphold in carrying out the mission of the Institute.
2. MISSION:
The Mission of the Institute of Health Service Administrators of Nigeria (IHSAN) is:
(a) Promoting the professional education and training of managers, planners and administrators of health services;
(b) Upholding and improving standards of planning and management of health services; and
(c) Co-operating with other professional bodies in the health field to improve the quality of health care.
All IHSAN members will:
(a) Act in response to the needs and demands of users of the health system Members are expected to act in such a way as to generate and maintain trust and confidence always so as to chtain the respect from the users of the health system
(b) Act with integrity in carrying out the functions of planning, organising, controlling and co-ordinating services. The Health Administrator has to ensure that facilities that are required to perform health services to patients are provided in the right quantity and quality and on time to enhance the efficient performance of the institution in the interest of patients/clients, authority and the society at large.
(c) Know, obey and ensure adherence to the law, in hospital institutions, the Health Administrator must familiarize himself/herself with the law establishing the institution and know the specific roles assigned to hi in the law and perform his duties within the context of such roles. He is responsible for ensuring that the institution adhere to the legal instrument setting up the organization, that the personnel observe the rules of their respective professional regulatory bodies as regards qualifications, annual renewal of practice license, etc.
(d) Reconcile the vast array of knowledge, attitude and skills that interact in the functioning of the health care delivery system
The Health Administrator, as a co-ordinator of other services and support staff in the health institution, should ensure that their services are in right quantity and quality and properly coordinated for efficiency
Every Health Administrator is expected to behave and work with integrity, honesty and openness and respect Therefore Every IHSAN member will:
(a) Put the interests of patients and clients first
(b) Act in such a way to acquire and/or maintain public trust and confidence;
(c) Conduct business and private life with dignity;
(d) Maintain cordial relationship with colleagues, super-ordinates, subordinates and the community in which the member exists;
(e) Not use undue influence for personal gain or disparage the work of professional colleagues;
(f) Maintain and develop professional competence;
(g) Subscribe to an "Oath of Allegiance" to dedicate ones life to humanity and work in accordance with the professional code of ethics prescribed by the Institute from time to time
5. CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITIES
All members of IHSAN in their corporate responsibilities will:
(a) Be bound by the three principles of corporate governance, namely:
(i) Accountability,
(ii) Probity; and
(iii) Transparency.
(b) Carry out professional duty with fairness and objectivity and that patients and public interest shall be the ultimate goal:
(c)Assist, encourage and Impact professional knowledge of the principles of health service provisions to colleagues;
(d) Establish and sustain an impartial tolerant and fair relationship with and take particular interest in the progress of the personnel/staff,
(e) Co-operate with all other entities engaged in or supportive of health service to promote accessibility and conduct quality health programme;
(f) Within the limitations imposed by good judgement, legal consideration and government's guidelines on the health institutions, respect the rights, privileges and beliefs of others regardless of nationality or religion,
(g) Create an environment that will be conducive to ethical conduct by respecting professional standards to which the members and their colleagues hold allegiance,
(h) Act in accordance with proper and lawful practice in carrying out decisions and policies as directed by the proper authority,
(i)Safeguard confidential information and not to use such information for personal gains;
(j) Establish mechanism that will enable members of staff to express themselves on issues that concern them and their organisational practices.
7. INSTITUTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Awareness of the environment and partnership/ good relationship with other institutions/ organisations, the community and society at large is of paramount importance
All members of IHSAN will
(a) maintain a spirit of co-operation with other health care organizations to improve the quality of health care services and programmes,
(b) co-operate with educational and planning organizations that contribute to the advancement of health care;
(c) obtain directives from IHSAN regarding the application of the code of ethics as a guide for professional conduct;
(d) contribute to ensure that health care Institutions maintain organizational relationships, policies and system that produce an environment that conducive to human and individualised care for those being served;
(e) work to ensure that respect and consideration for the dignity and individuality of patients, employees and communities are maintained by the Institutions in which they work to project the best image of their profession at all times.