Ethics in Public Policy
Melinda Marshall*
International Public Policy Development, Capella University, USA
Submission: June 19, 2017; Published: June 26, 2017
*Corresponding author: Melinda Marshall, International Public Policy Development, Capella University, USA, Email: pkumar@missionforvision.org.in
How to cite this article: Melinda M. Ethics in Public Policy. JOJ Pub Health. 2017; 2(2): 555584. DOI:10.19080/JOJPH.2017.02.555584
Abstract
This paper will attempt to explore the ethical principles and needs assessment in developing well rounded policies and their limitations both locally and nationally. Ethics is essential when implementing new policies and revisiting old policies both nationally and globally Boston et al. [1]. Policy making requires unquestionable ethical indicators and high moral standards by its leadership team implementing various policies and agendas. Our governing bodies choose to make feasible decisions on what we deem as vital actions to combat negative health or domestic related risks to the health of a community, nation or particular group. Via policy planning and implementation, leaders can deter negative social, health and environmental impacts by acting ethically. Ethical policies should answer why a policy is necessary, how good will the policy be for all stakeholders, and if it is justified in prevalence Schenider [2]. Public health policies are positive actions taken by governments to combat against poor health conditions and environmental factors. There are various types of policies via state, federal international communities to help alleviate some public health woes. Such as, death penalty, health insurance, and social welfare and foreign affairs are all health. Public Health policies must pass several barriers before claiming its success both locally and globally. Such, as ethical concerns, domestic and international inequalities, poor management, decreased resources.
Introduction
First, newly formed public health policies should outline and consider ensuring ethical outcomes are incorporated into its mission and agenda. Policies without ethical indicators would be weak and ineffective in achieving long-term goals. For instance, policies lacking in ethics would only jeopardize fragile populations even more so than their alleged health determinants Koop,Pearson, & Schwartz [3]. Like poor environmental, social dilemmas, cultural and poor sanitary conditions that could cause a reduction of standards in experienced healthcare and policy outcomes.
Ethics is also vital in guiding or planning policy implementation and processes throughout the lifespan span of any health crisis and policy formation’ when seeking effective implementation processes. Ethical practices in policy development should incorporate: visibility in plans, organizational goals, evaluation methods and testing research methods validity. Policy developers can leverage resources by ensuring legal and ethical practices via governments. For instance, to initiate a sound policy globally leaders can create partnerships among themselves and levy particular goods and services as their leveraging tools. Additionally, resources like, oil, water, vaccinations and military support in efforts to treat and care for the sick.
Secondly, policies should not allow domestic and international inequalities to take place when seeking to prevent widespread diseases and management. International policies can be determined by policy implementer’s ability to leverage resources and partnership with a host country with fewer resources. As a means to conduct and implement skilled workers and educate targeted populations in efforts to allow equality among all participants. However, ethical considerations must be fashioned to national communities versus US in the US.
There are several governing bodies and interest groups to help alleviate and incorporate policy ethics and governing bodies are a part of our system of morals and ethics overall. But, international public policies are dependent upon numerous countries and their ability to implore judicial systems equality in providing educational and preventive policies. This affects the allocation, acquisition and management of diminished resources. International monies collected and set to aid global policies should be allocated to specific areas with higher stakes in prevention and education. As, in Africa, Asia, and Latin America in efforts to prevent and educate its people in wellness, politics and science can play or an array of dilemmas in resource allocation and policy acceptance measures.
Thirdly, poor management of resources and scare tools could delay or deter adequate policy implementation both long and short term goals. It is essential for managers of resources during the implementation process to be effective. Mangers should take stark detail to their inventory when providing tools for usage to delegate resources to targeted areas of need. For example, if managers of a small clinic in rural Nigeria only have enough shots for one hundred patients and over two hundred are at the clinic to be seen. As a manager of resources it is essential to provide care to those at most risk and most needed. But, also the ability to restock and provide adequate resources for the overall population is necessary too. Thereby, making it essential to ensure supplies and resources are available for staff to implement these services.
Last but not least, lack luster strategies in planning police can decrease the success of policy planning overall. Consequently, poor planning in public policies are essential to its success. Both, political and social restraints can cause an abruption of inequality and experienced healthcare services and prevention among poor communities. That is not well educated or equipped with tools to apply newly formed policies. In conclusion, public health policies must assess several barriers before claiming success in managing devastating challenges. Such as, ethical concerns, poor management of services, international inequalities, and decreased resources overall.
References
- Boston J, Bradstock A, Eng D (2009) Ethics in Pulbic Policy. Autrian National University, Australia.
- Schneiderman MJ (2006) Intorduction to Public Health (2nd edn). Jones and Bartlett Publishers. pp. 594.
- Koop E, Pearson C, Schwartz R (2002) Critical Issues in Global Health. Jossey-Boss, CA, USA, pp.504.