PREVENTIVE STEPS AGAINST LITIGATION
It is not as if this aspect has not crossed the minds of doctors before the application of Consumer Protection Act (CPA) to medics. Complaints have been lodged with State Medical Councils, and M.C.I.., and there have been instances of action taken against doctors . More frequently patients have been suing & prosecuting doctors in Civil and Criminal Courts. The medical professionals have been exercising due caution while dealing with patients. With the coming into existence of compensation oriented Consumer Forums, the medical profession has been suddenly made to sit-up. What they were doing till the other day in mutual trust could land them into trouble, if they do not exercise extra precautions. Where the doctor feels that the patient is suffering from some major illness in which complications are pre-existing or are likely to occur, he should take proper precautions. The precautions desired to be taken may be summarized as " Do’s and Don’ts" which are as follows