Moral Courage and (Micro)-Resistance, «New» Competences of Health Professionals for the Fight against Inequality

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to defend that moral courage and (micro)-resistance constitute essential ethical skills of health professionals in the current Spanish health public system. First of all, I explain the situation of the health system after cuts in health budget. Secondly, I describe the new ethical conflicts arising from the implementation of RD 16/2012 (pharmaceutical co-payment and lack of attention for undocumented migrants) and report the attitudes of health professionals has to face with these conflicts. To explore this phenomenon, Michel Foucault"™s theoretical framework was used in this research, especially concepts such as resistance. Finally, I narrate the actions, especially resistance"™s actions, which physicians and nurses have done, for example creation of drug banks and clandestine care circuits.