Medical triage, the prioritization of patients for treatment under conditions of scarce resources, remains one of the most ethically charged dimensions of healthcare. While modern triage protocols frequently adopt utilitarian principles—seeking to maximize survival outcomes—the moral implications of such decisions extend far beyond efficiency. This article integrates insights from two complementary studies on scripture-based ethics and religious-philosophical traditions into a single framework that balances utilitarian efficiency with the moral imperatives found in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Through a systematic literature review, comparative ethical analysis, and illustrative case studies, we propose a hybrid triage framework that incorporates religious, biomedical, and social ethics. We argue that such a framework offers more equitable, compassionate, and culturally sensitive guidance for healthcare providers, particularly in multicultural societies facing pandemics or mass-casualty events. The paper concludes with practical recommendations for policy, healthcare governance, and future research.
Published in: 3rd GCC International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
Publisher: IEOM Society International
Date of Conference: February 2
-4
, 2026
ISBN: 979-8-3507-6175-7
ISSN/E-ISSN: 2169-8767