Harmonizing public health with individual liberties: exploring the interplay of right to health, privacy, and autonomy during recent and future pandemics

• Date: 02 May 2024
• Pages: 107-111
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJHRH-02-2024-0011
• Published date: 02 May 2024
• Subject Matter: Health & social care,Vulnerable groups,Inequalities & diverse/minority groups,Sociology,Race & ethnic studies,Minorities,Multiculturalism,Racial identity,Work,economy & organizations
• Author: Amrit Pokhrel

Harmonizing public health with individual

liberties: exploring the interplay of right to

health, privacy, and autonomy during

recent and future pandemics

Amrit Pokhrel

Abstract

Purpose –The purpose of publishing this viewpoint is to critically analyze the relationship between

public health interventions and individual liberties, during recent and potential future pandemics. By

exploring the interplayof the right to health, privacy, and autonomy, this viewpointseeks to highlight the

complexities and challenges faced by decision-makers in balancing collective well-being with the

protection of individual rights. Through detailed discussions on lockdowns, contact tracing, and

international border closures, this paper aims to foster a deeperunderstanding of how these measures

impact fundamental human rights and proposes ways to achieve harmony in future pandemics and

crises.

Design/methodology/approach –The viewpointhas a qualitative approach, using criticalanalysis and

examination of legal frameworks, scholarly literature, and real-world examples to explore the interplay

between public health interventions and individual liberties during pandemics. It draws upon diverse

sources, including international declarations, legal instruments, and empirical studies to elucidate the

complexitiesof balancing collective well-being with the protectionof fundamental human rights. Through

in-depthdiscussions on lockdowns, contact tracing,and international border closures,this paper aims to

provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in harmonizing public

healthwith individual liberties.

Findings –The findings of the viewpoint highlight the relationship between public health interventions

and individual liberties during pandemics. It underscores the importance of balancing collective well-

being with the protection of fundamental human rights, particularly the right to health, privacy, and

autonomy. The analysis reveals the shortcomings of certain measures, such as restrictive lockdowns,

border closure,and unchecked contact tracing in respecting individualrights. However, it also identifies

opportunities for adopting an altruistic approach that upholds both public health imperatives and

individual freedoms. Ultimately, the findings emphasize the need for a nuanced understanding and

inclusiveapproach to crisis management.

Research limitations/implications –This analysis predominantly addresses the COVID-19pandemic,

potentially limiting the generalizability of findings to other public health crises. It is limited by its focus

primarily on legal frameworks and theoretical analysis, which may not fully capture the practical

complexities and nuancesof implementing public health measures. Furthermore, while proposingways

to achieve harmony between public health and individual liberties, practical challenges and potential

trade-offs in implementationare not extensively explored. Future research could benefit from empirical

studies and case analyses to better understand the real-world implications of balancing public health

imperativeswith individual rights.

Practical implications –The viewpoint underscoresthe importance of adopting an altruistic approach

that respects both public health imperatives and individual rights during pandemics. Practical

implications include the need for policymakers to prioritize transparency, accountability, and citizen

engagement in implementing public health measures. By fostering trust, ensuring data privacy, and

promoting active participation, authorities can mitigate concerns about infringements on individual

liberties while effectively managing public health threats. Furthermore, the analysis highlights the

Amrit Pokhrel is based at

the Department of Health

Services, Ministry of Health

and Population,

Kathmandu, Nepal.

Received 22 February 2024

Revised 11 April 2024

Accepted 11 April 2024

DOI 10.1108/IJHRH-02-2024-0011VOL. 18 NO. 1 2025, pp. 107-111, ©Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 2056-4902 jINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN HEALTHCARE jPAGE 107