THE current debate about medical indemnity for obstetricians is a contentious one ("MOH to cover obstetricians in retirement"; April 13).
Before we consider any new legislation, we would do well to consider some broad areas.
First, is the 24-year time limit to seek redress too long? It seems cruel to burden an obstetrician with such a long dormant period.
My former dean once said in a lecture that in 10 years, only a third of what the faculty has taught us will remain immutable.
Another third will be found to be partially true, and the rest will be proven wrong.
If 10 years can make such a difference, how much more so will practices change in 24 years?
Many current practices will be deemed inappropriate, and many doctors could be faulted for unworthy management.
Second, we must consider why mistakes happen.
Adversity can occur naturally. Being born normal is against the odds. There is so much that can go awry during the many processes involved in forming a foetus.
As a student of embryology, and being involved with births daily, it astounds me when babies are born normal.
Most doctors strive to avoid mistakes. However, to err is human. As long as medicine is practised by humans, mistakes will happen.
As prominent British neurosurgeon Henry Marsh wrote: "Doctors are human... much of what happens in hospitals is a matter of luck... success and failure are often out of the doctor's control."
Wong Mun Tat (Dr)
