Digital technology can help avoid medical malpractice lawsuits: Judge Madhav Devi

Telangana High Court Justice Madhav Devi on Sunday emphasised the importance of meticulous record keeping by doctors while dealing with emergency medical cases.

Speaking at the FEHMICON and MLAGCON medical conferences in Hyderabad, she urged healthcare professionals to leverage digital technology to ensure that all necessary information is accurately recorded while respecting patient privacy to avoid any legal troubles in future.

Justice Madhav said the judiciary has established ample guidelines to protect doctors and it is their responsibility to take necessary precautions to avoid litigation. He cited the Supreme Court’s ruling in Parmanand Katara v. Union of India.

The conference, which was attended by over 350 delegates from across India, aimed to clear up misunderstandings between patients and doctors and restore the reputation of the medical profession.

Neeraj Nagpal, chairman and managing director of the Medico Legal Action Group (MLAG), pointed out a significant increase in medical malpractice cases. “In 1995, only 113 medical malpractice cases were decided by Indian courts, but by 2023, that number had soared to 57,000…excluding Supreme Court and High Court cases,” he reported.

Telangana State Road Transport Corporation Managing Director VC Sajjanar suggested to Dr Nagpal that retired police officers be added to the MLAG to facilitate smooth coordination with police in forensic cases.

Dr. Femida Banu, Consultant Obstetrics and Gynaecologist at Femicare Hospital, expressed her appreciation for the contributions of all the participants and speakers. She highlighted the conference’s role in strengthening ties among healthcare professionals and addressing medico-legal challenges. “This year’s focus on medico-legal issues was particularly important given the complexities and challenges currently facing the healthcare profession,” she said.