Our Ethical Approach
1. Medical Ethics and Patient-Centeredness (First, Do No Harm)
At the center of all our processes is the principle of “Primum non nocere” (First, do no harm).
Medical Independence: While assessing the patient’s condition, our physicians and healthcare personnel make completely independent and scientific medical decisions without being under any commercial, administrative or logistical pressure.
The Patient’s Best Interest: Every action to be taken during transfer, every medical device to be used and every route to be selected are entirely aimed at preserving and improving the patient’s health status.
Informed Consent: The patient and/or the patient’s relatives are fully informed about the medical risks, processes and possible scenarios of the planned transfer in their native language or in a language they can understand.
2. Confidentiality and Privacy (Data Security)
The information of our patients and business partners is protected with the highest security standards.
Protection of Medical Confidentiality: All medical findings, diagnoses and personal data obtained during transfer operations are processed and protected in strict compliance with international KVKK and GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) standards.
Zero Tolerance for Image and Information Sharing Violations: No visual, audio or written material that may disclose the identity of our patients may be shared with third parties, on social media or in the press without their explicit written permission.
3. Transparency and Honesty
Absolute transparency is essential in our relationships with both our patients and our corporate stakeholders.
Accurate Information: Insurance companies, assistance firms and patients’ relatives are always provided with accurate, complete and real-time information regarding the costs, logistical limitations or medical risks of the operation.
Avoidance of Conflicts of Interest: STAR Assistance employees and managers may not accept any improper benefit, bribe or gift that could compromise the impartiality of the institution, and may not enter into relationships that create a conflict of interest.
4. Equality and Non-Discrimination
We believe in universal equality in access to healthcare.
Unconditional Service: Regardless of the race, language, religion, gender, sexual orientation, nationality or social status of the people we serve, medical logistics support is provided to everyone with the same quality and within the same framework of respect.
5. Responsibilities Toward Employees
The safety and well-being of our team are the foundation of the success of our operations.
Safe Working Environment: A fair and safe working environment that complies with aviation standards and supports professional development is provided for our medical and logistics personnel. International fatigue management rules are meticulously observed in flight and duty periods.
For STAR Assistance, ethical rules are not a procedure; they are the very trust a patient feels while leaving the bedside and returning home.