<TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR>Slap on the wrist won't do for errant docs
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->I REFER to the discussion on doctors and ethics. I have a few doctor friends who say our health-care system is among the most affordable, effective and efficient in the world. Indeed, patients do not generally sue doctors in Singapore.
Recently, Professor K. Satku, director of medical services in the Ministry of Health, criticised an unethical doctor. However, as readers have noted, the punishment meted out by the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) does not seem to have much bite. I see it as just a slap on the wrist.
Surely a famous plastic surgeon can earn the amount of the fine in a day?
The process of complaints to the SMC requires a statutory declaration and possible time spent as a witness in the disciplinary tribunal hearings. It is a time-consuming process. If the end result is just a slap on the wrist, it may deter patients from reporting unethical doctors.
Ethan Lee
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->I REFER to the discussion on doctors and ethics. I have a few doctor friends who say our health-care system is among the most affordable, effective and efficient in the world. Indeed, patients do not generally sue doctors in Singapore.
Recently, Professor K. Satku, director of medical services in the Ministry of Health, criticised an unethical doctor. However, as readers have noted, the punishment meted out by the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) does not seem to have much bite. I see it as just a slap on the wrist.
Surely a famous plastic surgeon can earn the amount of the fine in a day?
The process of complaints to the SMC requires a statutory declaration and possible time spent as a witness in the disciplinary tribunal hearings. It is a time-consuming process. If the end result is just a slap on the wrist, it may deter patients from reporting unethical doctors.
Ethan Lee
