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KARACHI: Secretary General, Pakistan Medical
Association - Karachi, Dr. Samreena Hashmi has urged government
as well as civil society to take stock of medical negligence,
reported from different parts of the country.
Talking to newsmen here on Friday, she said medical negligence
is a human rights issue and civil society needed to work and
create awareness among the masses.
"This would help pressurize service providers, government
and legislatures to get rid of this menace from the society,"
she said.
Dr. Samreena Hashmi also took strong exception to the role
of Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), which in principle
is required to act as health regulator and curtail instances
of medical negligence committed by physicians and surgeons,
registered with it.
"Unfortunately PMDC has largely failed to exercise its
authority to check patient rights' violation," regretted
Dr. Samreena.
PMDC officials, however, when contacted by APP said "PMDC
Act neither permits us to take any action against any negligent
doctor in the country, nor we have powers to take suo moto
actions on such cases."
A senior PMDC official based in Karachi claimed that PMDC
only works in assuring the quality of medical education.
Responding to a query, he conceded that PMDC can cancel doctor's
registration provided he or she is proved guilty under set
rules and regulations.
PMA - Karachi's office bearer reiterated that patients' rights
is an issue of human rights and therefore can not be overlooked.
"Realization that medical malpractices and negligence
is a serious issue is urgently required at all levels,"
she said.
As for PMDC, she regretted that the Council has largely failed
even to ensure quality medical education.
PMDC has over the years allowed inception of scores of medical
school that did not meet even the basic criterion required
to initiate medical education and training, complained the
senior —RT |
