Performing pre-operative tests, maintaining surgery records, advising follow-up and explaining prognosis are some of the basic protocols that ought to be followed. While most practitioners are aware of this dictum, a doctor recently found out that not adhering to protocols is undesirable.

There are bad apples in just about every profession – healthcare is not an exception. The real problem is that careless acts by few dishonest practitioners further widens the patient-doctor trust gap.

A radiologist was recently held negligent by the Punjab State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission for failing to report a large cyst in a young patient’s uterus.

Losing a new-born can be one of the most devastating experiences for a couple, especially when the cause of death seems to be doctor’s negligence. A new-born’s unfortunate and untimely death could be due to several reasons, including consanguineous marriage, as is the case in this story.

It is highly advisable to perform investigations during an epidemic to ascertain if patient is a victim of the outbreak. Not doing so is negligence, as this case demonstrates.

A hospital / doctor must ensure that services promoted in any advertising material is provided without fail under any circumstances – even during a natural calamity.

Incidents such as the one in this story makes one wonder, if we are really living in a civilized society? Intimidating the doctors and hospitals, using arm-twisting tactics and indulging in mob justice are signs that some people would stoop down to any level for an ulterior motive.