General Secretary, 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 APP here on Monday, she said medical negligence is a human rights issue and civil society needs to work and create awareness among the masses.
"This would help pressurise service providers, government and legislature 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, nor we have powers to take suo motu action of 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 cannot be overlooked. "Realisation 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 schools that did not meet even the basic criterion required to initiate medical education and training, complained the senior doctor.