Halacha – Health – 24th Sivan, 5769

Nishmas Adam: Can Bais Din Force A Non-Jewish Doctor To Treat A Jew?

The Nishmas Avrohom writes (CM 427) that seemingly a non-Jew does not have an obligation to save another person. If so in a case where Bais Din has the authority to force a non-Jewish doctor to treat a Jew to save his life when he refuses to do so, would Bais Din be able to use its power to force him to do so or is there no obligation for Bnei Noach to treat a sick man?

He brings the Shiltei Giborim (Kesubos 24b Rif) who says that if a non-Jewish woman nursed a Jewish child long enough that the child would only take milk from her, if she then refused to nurse the child Bais Din can force her to continue and pay her for her services.

From here, says the Nishmas Adam, it seems that if there is no Jewish doctor who is able to treat the patient, Bais Din can pay the non-Jewish doctor and force him to treat the Jew. He adds that Rav Yehoshua Noivert agreed with him.

Important Note: We try to convey the Tshuva to the best of our ability. We admit that our understanding may not be accurate. One should learn the tshuva to verify the accuracy of our interpretation. Please also understand that this Tshuva may not be the final word on this topic. One should consult a Rav before drawing any conclusions.

From: RevachL’Neshama