Beyond the stethoscope: a COVID-19 lens on the halal, business and ethical dimensions of hospitals in a Muslim majority country

Gita Gayatri, Yusniza Kamarulzaman, Tengku Ezni Balqiah, Dony Abdul Chalid, Anya Safira and Sri Rahayu Hijrah Hati

International Journal of Ethics and Systems, 2024, vol. 41, issue 2, 519-542

Abstract: Purpose - This study aims to examine the perceptions and evaluations of Muslim COVID-19 survivors and health workers regarding the halal, business and ethical attributes of hospitals during their interactions related to COVID-19 treatment. Design/methodology/approach - Descriptive qualitative research with semi-structured online interviews was used to gather insights from COVID-19 survivors and health workers who treated COVID-19 patients. The findings were then compared with existing literature on hospital services and Sharia attributes. Findings - The study found that patients and health-care workers in hospitals are concerned about whether the hospital follows Sharia law, the quality of health-care and hospital services and the ethical conduct of hospital staff. This is especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic, when patients are more anxious about religious conduct and the afterlife. Research limitations/implications - Hospitals need to address halal attributes in all aspects of their services for Muslim patients and business attributes such as standard health-care quality, service quality and ethical attributes. Participants indicated that when these needs are met, they are more likely to revisit the hospital and recommend it to others. Originality/value - This study contributes to understanding the expectations of Muslim patients regarding hospital services that meet Islamic ethical and business requirements. Using the COVID-19 pandemic as a case study broadens the understanding of how to better serve Muslim customers.

Keywords: Ethics; Service quality; Health-care quality; COVID-19; Halal attributes (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eme:ijoesp:ijoes-03-2023-0068

DOI: 10.1108/IJOES-03-2023-0068

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