Crimino-Vision Events

On 23rd August 2024, as part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between our institution and Father Muller’s Medical College, a session on "Medical Negligence" was conducted for final-year students. The session was led by Dr. Hareesh Gowda, Head of the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at Father Muller Medical College. A total of 25 students attended the session, which was a significant part of our 5th-semester syllabus.

Dr. Hareesh began the session by explaining the rights and duties of patients, highlighting the importance of informed consent, privacy, and accurate communication in the medical field. He then elaborated on the types of medical negligence, such as misdiagnosis, surgical errors, and medication mistakes, emphasizing the impact these can have on patient safety and trust.

The concept of contributory negligence was also discussed, where patients' actions may contribute to their harm. Dr. Hareesh outlined the criteria for establishing medical negligence: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages, providing clarity on how these factors are evaluated in legal contexts.

Preventive measures against negligence suits were explored, including thorough documentation, adherence to clinical guidelines, and effective communication. The topic of corporate negligence was introduced, focusing on the responsibilities of healthcare institutions in ensuring safe practices and environments.

Dr. Hareesh provided an overview of laws related to negligence suits and the trial process for medical negligence cases, offering insights into the legal landscape surrounding these issues. He also discussed the Consumer Protection Act, detailing the procedures for filing complaints, the legal recourse available to patients, and the penalties for non-compliance with court orders.

Additional topics covered included guidelines for research in India and the ethical and legal considerations surrounding euthanasia.

The session concluded with a question-and-answer segment, where students had the opportunity to clarify their doubts and gain further understanding of medical negligence and its implications. Dr. Hareesh's comprehensive explanations and practical insights provided valuable knowledge on the subject, emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct and legal awareness in medical practice.