EDITORIAL: The Straits Times says: Defensive medicine doesn’t cure anyone

The Straits Times says
Defensive medicine doesn’t cure anyone
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The Ministry of Health (MOH) has, for the first time, asked the Singapore Medical Council to apply to the High Court to review a judgment by its disciplinary tribunal.

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The tribunal had fined a doctor the maximum $100,000 for not telling his patient of possible complications from a commonly used steroid injection.

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Naturally, the fine caused great consternation among doctors; more than 5,000 people signed an appeal to share their concerns with the Health Minister, and the matter was raised in Parliament.

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While the medical profession is self-regulated, and its autonomy should be respected, the MOH was wise to have intervened in the case.

 

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It concerns not only one doctor but also the wider profession, and the quantum of punishment could set a chilling precedent.

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Undoubtedly, medical liability plays an important role in the regulatory regime, which ensures that doctors treat patients with care and concern.

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Given that the consequences of laxity leading to a mistake could be disastrous for patients, it is essential that doctors keep their patients’ well-being uppermost no matter the status or standing of the individual, or how overworked the practitioner is.

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Every society must strive to offer its members genuine and substantial protection from medical negligence.

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Singapore, in any case, is very much a part of the map of countries where doctors have to live up to the gravity of the professional choices they make.

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TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE:
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/st-editorial/defensive-medicine-doesnt-cure-anyone

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