Everyone speaks about difficulties faced by the accused but victimology is seldom thought of. “A doctor can be blamed if he has insufficient knowledge and does not act prudently, but what if he prescribes correct drug but a spurious drug is administered?” asked justice B Subhashan Reddy, Lokayukta, at a public lecture titled ‘Medical Negligence and Justice for Victims’ organised by People for Better Treatment (PBT) and Center for Human Security Studies here on Monday.
Justice Subhashan, who was the chief guest at the event, pointed out that picking up a case and proving it as a medical negligence was tough and required diligence. He said the right of equality before law needed to be protected through a balanced approach. “Patients should get justice but medical systems should not be killed,” he cautioned.
Dr PV Ramesh, principal secretary (finance), who formerly served in health department urged professional medical associations to take up social issues. “The state today needs an independent regulatory authority which accredits hospitals and sets a standard,” he said.
He added that hospitals throughout the country needed to develop standard system wherein records of cases can be maintained by ensuring privacy of patients.
Ramesh said that patients approached doctors with a belief that they would be cured.
“This sacred relationship between the society and the healer should not be violated and doctors should reaffirm their commitment towards the society,” he said.