Mokokchung, September 22 (MTNews): Kuzholuzo Nienu, leader of NPF Legislature Party initiated the discussion on ‘Matters of Urgent Public Importance’ pertaining to “Medical Negligence” and urged upon the house to pass the Nagaland Medical Negligence Bill in order to check “medical negligence and malpractices” and to help “restore the lost trust and respect in the noble profession.” He also urged that the best possible health care delivery be provided in the state.
Opening the discussion, Azo defined Medical Negligence as an act or omission by a health care provider which deviates from accepted standards of practice in the medical community and causes injury to the patient.
He also highlighted the most common types of Medical Negligence like misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, failure to diagnose, surgical error, wrong site surgery, unintentional laceration or perforation, unnecessary surgery, negligent anesthesia preparation, childbirth injuries, failure to treat, failure to provide the necessary care and attention, drug prescription errors, among many.
He also highlighted that in recent years, the healthcare industry is being regarded as a “profiteering business” and that many private hospitals have sprung up “without adhering to infrastructural specifications and safety norms” which may be termed as “Infrastructural Negligence.”
Nienu, therefore, emphasized on the need to pass the Medical Negligence Act in Nagaland considering the fact that negligence and malpractices have been noticeable ever since the establishment of healthcare facilities in the state.
He added that the medical profession which has been long regarded as the “noblest profession” is “not immune to negligence” and has often resulted in death of the patients or complete/partial impairment or any other misery which adversely affects the patient’s health. He, in conclusion, urged the House to pass the Nagaland Medical Negligence Bill.
Pangnyu Phom calls for a more “Pro-active and effective” Nagaland Medical Council
Meanwhile, Pangnyu Phom, Minister of Health and Family Welfare joined the discussion saying that Medicine is a noble profession and that the doctors regulate their conduct through a Code of Ethics which is enforced by their self-regulatory body, the Nagaland Medical Council (NMC).
Phom further mentioned that the NMC upon “receiving complaints against its members from public, including patients and their relatives, is expected to conduct enquiries and depending on the seriousness of the complaints, the Council has the power to reprimand a practitioner, or suspend or remove his name from its register.
Pangnyu also said that there are legal options available for aggrieved patients, which includes filing cases for: civil negligence and seeking compensation for the injury caused due to negligence; criminal negligence where the doctor shows a gross absence of skill or care, or an illegal act; damages as a consumer of services under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
“Patient safety should be the cornerstone of the standard operating procedures, protocols and processes that are put in place within a hospital. These should also be ensured by the Department along with the Nagaland Medical Council and other stakeholders,” he stated.
He, however, hoped that the Nagaland Medical Council (NMC) conducts “sufficient training and capacity building” of the medical practitioners through Continuing Medical Education and other means.
“This is important so that they are fully updated on the various medical advancements, as well as to refresh that ethical practice,” he said, and added that high standards should be the cornerstone of medical professionals in the State.
He concluded that “pro-active and more effective self-regulation by the NMC” would ensure that people will not approach other forums, such as filing criminal complaints for any alleged negligence.
He continued that, while it would not be the objective of the Government and the society to increase frivolous cases, it would be important to increase awareness on “patient’s rights, informed consent and medical records for the doctors as well as general public which the Department of Health & Family Welfare should actively work towards.”
Chumben Murry for strengthening rules & regulations of NMC
Advisor Dr. Chumben Murry defined medical negligence as “an improper or unskilled treatment of a patient by a medical practitioner, who can be a physician, surgeon, nurse, pharmacist or any other medical practitioner.”
According to him, the increasing number of litigations of medical negligence may be partly due to increasing awareness among health care recipients.
He, however, believes that more effort should be placed on awareness of “legal avenues” and also on “doctor-patient relationship” in order to enable a more rational approach towards problems such as violence against doctors.
Murry also highlighted the need to “strengthen rules and regulations of the medical council” and to “strengthen penal laws dealing with medical negligence.”
Nicky Kire highlights the need of superannuation age for doctors
Advisor Nicky Kire said that a Public Health Diploma is necessary amongst doctors who are transferred to the Directorate. He believes that Continuing Medical Education (CME) should be continuously followed by all doctors and health care providers in order to learn and improve more effectively.
He went on to say that there is a need for doctors to have a superannuation age, which will allow older doctors a chance when they are referred.
Meanwhile, Minister Yollow Konyak and MLA, Dr. Ngangshi K Ao also briefly expressed their concerns regarding the issue of Medical Negligence in the State and highlighted some of the reforms and measures that are required to be taken in order to ensure quality medical facilities to the citizens of the State.