Edit: Medical negligence needs healing hand

Medical malpractice is an act of a doctor or other medical professional of doing something - or failing to do something - that harms the patient. It may result in a complication, prolonged pain, costlier treatment or even death.

Often, patients (consumers of medical services) are at a loss to know how to tackle medical negligence. Not all patients or their relatives know that medical services are covered by the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, and that the consumer forum can be approached for compensation.

The medical profession is also governed by a code of ethics laid down by the Medical Council of India, which can take action against erring doctors. However, when relatives of patients cross the line and resort to violence, the law has to step in. The Maharashtra Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage or Loss of Property) Act, 2010, deals with such incidents.

It makes violence against doctors or other hospital staff a cognisable, non-bailable offence punishable with three years’ in jail and a fine of up to Rs50,000. The offenders are also liable to paying up to double the quantum of damage caused to the hospital.

The recent attack on a city hospital deserves to be condemned. Violence is uncalled for, however grave the “provocation”. It is also a disservice to the consumers’ movement. The government is bound by law to appoint an authority to advise victims of medical negligence, to guide which forum to approach for relief. It should take steps and inform citizens about the authority for each district. The government must take steps to ensure victims of medical negligence also get a healing touch.