Justice in healthcare is defined as?

• A. Fairness in care delivery and use of resources.
• B. The obligation to tell the truth.
• C. A commitment to do no harm.
• D. The right to withdraw care.

Answer: (A)

Justice in healthcare means fairness in how care is delivered and how resources are allocated. It involves treating patients equitably, ensuring access to needed services for all—regardless of background or circumstances—and making policy and triage decisions based on need and just criteria rather than bias. This focus on fair distribution of limited resources and impartial care decisions is what defines justice in practice. The obligation to tell the truth describes veracity and trust, not how resources are shared. A commitment to do no harm reflects nonmaleficence, centered on avoiding harm to patients. The right to withdraw care relates to autonomy and patient choice, not the fairness of resource use. So, fairness in care delivery and use of resources best captures what justice means in healthcare.