Indian Journal of Neurotrauma 2014; 11(02): 126-133
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnt.2014.11.005
Review Article
Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Private Ltd.

Medical negligence: Indian scenario

Authors

  • Sanjay Kumar Gupta

    a   Associate Professor (Surgery) and Consultant Neurosurgeon, Geetanjali Medical College, Udaipur, India
  • P.K. Padhi

    b   Professor (Business Law), Xavier Labour Research Institute, Jamshedpur, India
  • Narendra Chouhan

    c   Consultant Intensivist, Geetanjali Medical College, Udaipur, India

Subject Editor:
Further Information

Publication History

08 June 2014

11 November 2014

Publication Date:
06 April 2017 (online)

Abstract

Medical profession differentiates itself from other professions, where apart from the knowledge and skill, touch of humanity is also required. Since the inclusion of medical profession under the ambit of Consumer Protection Act there has been a spurt in the number of cases against the doctors. Bolam's test is applied to assess medical negligence of doctor. Cases against the doctors can be brought in a civil or criminal court, and accordingly the negligence may be civil or criminal negligence. In deciding criminal negligence against doctors criminal intent need to be proved. The Medical Law and Ethical Code for medical professional in India are prescribed by Indian Medical Council, under the section 20-A of Indian Medical Council Act of 1956 and Amendment Act No. 24 of 1964.