Unethical Hospital Practices and Public Safety: A Systemic Analysis of Ethical Failures and Reform Imperatives in Modern Healthcare

This paper investigates the growing prevalence of unethical practices in hospitals and their detrimental impact on public health and safety. Despite the existence of medical ethical standards, many healthcare institutions, particularly corporate and profit-driven hospitals, frequently engage in behaviors such as overcharging, unnecessary treatments, and compromised patient consent. Through a mixed-methods study involving 306 Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) professionals in India during 2024–2025, the research identifies eight core themes behind such practices, including institutional pressure, regulatory failures, workforce shortages, and ethical illiteracy. The findings highlight a systemic erosion of trust and patient-centered care in favor of financial metrics. The paper concludes by recommending robust ethics programs, strengthened regulation, and a cultural shift toward transparency and accountability to restore integrity and safety in healthcare delivery.