Special Board to look into medical negligence
 

by Bharatha Malawaraarachchi

The Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry is planning to set up a special Board to look into medical negligence in the country.

Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said he was discussing with the Public Service Commission and trade union representatives to arrive at a decision.

The Minister explained that in recent times, several incidents of alleged medical negligence were reported in the media. He said the Ministry had paid the highest attention to the alleged incidents.

The Ministry is also planning to introduce a new insurance system where the aggrieved party could claim compensation in the event of medical negligence.

"We have already held preliminary discussions with the insurance companies and it is now progressing," de Silva said.

He said the Ministry will implement an action plan.Referring to several incidents of alleged medical negligence, de Silva said the Ministry has also consulted the Sri Lanka Medical Council to take action against medical practitioners responsible for such acts.