Eduardo García-Solís, Comisión de Bioética, Secretaría de Salud, Campeche, San Francisco de Campeche, Camp., México
Talk about the issue of religion, especially spirituality in medicine, is a topic that is sometimes difficult to discuss. Physicians, nurses, social workers or other health personnel often do not give importance to these issues. Either because they have no religion, they are not interested, or it makes them uncomfortable. The patient wants to be heard not only about his physical ailments, but also about his spiritual concerns; he wants to hear the word of comfort, which is sometimes given to him by faith. Their beliefs must be respected, if the physicians does not feel competent to talk about it, refer them to a priest, chaplain, pastor or someone who professes their religion, so they will feel relief. It is required that physicians, the health team, in addition to treating physical ailments, understand that spirituality and religion are essential for both the physical and mental health of the patient and their families. It must be recognized that the principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, solidarity and respect for patients as whole people are essential. Religion and spirituality play a leading role in health.
Keywords: Religion. Spirituality. Medicine.