Security for doctors: ‘Malpractice, negligence are part of treatment’

Association demands physical, legal protection.

KARACHI:

Reacting to the direct registration of FIRs against doctors, the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has demanded the government provide legal and physical security to doctors.

The joint action committee for doctors led by Prof Dr Idrees Adhi gathered at PMA House on Wednesday. They condemned the surge in violence against medical professionals in public and private hospitals and said that it is unfair to treat doctors through mob justice.

“It may make good material for breaking news but it goes a long way in people not accepting the realities of a serious patient dying of complications that have nothing to do with the doctors’ inability to provide care,” said Dr Adhi.

Whenever a mishap occurs, the relatives of the patient gather and create a hostile atmosphere for healthcare workers. This mostly results in mob attacks that not only destroy the hospital property but also threaten the lives of medical professionals, he added. “Malpractice and negligence are part of the treatment.”

He demanded the authorities retract the FIRs filed against doctors and suspend police officials involved in the process. The committee has proposed an independent body to investigate complaints and allegations against doctors. This body will also have the power to take action, such as suspension or canceelation of the doctor’s licence. The proposal is with the chief minister, awaiting approval.

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council is the only body authorised to issue and cancel medical licences. The council was not represented during this meeting.

Meanwhile, Dr Adhi pushed government representatives to pass bills to regulate private and public hospitals and add laws for doctors found negligent in their duties. He recalled that the chief minister said he would work on presenting the bill in February but no concrete steps have been taken since then.

The doctors demanded financial compensation for medical professionals who suffer injuries at the hands of attendants. They will go on strike otherwise.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 28^th, 2011.