Medical Negligence–Legal Narrative and Prevention in Malaysian Medical Practice

Abstract

Medical negligence cases in Malaysia are not far behind from other developed countries in terms of quantity and costs. The challenges of medical negligence in Malaysia have always been an enemy to both patients and doctors. Both parties may lose more than they gain from the adversarial adventure of medical litigation. Hence prevention of medical negligence is the best effort in ensuring the best medical practice for both parties. Practicing ethical medical practice and improving communication with the patient is some of the methods to avoid getting sued. If this fails, alternatives to medical litigation such as alternative dispute resolution in the form of mediation and no-fault compensation scheme. These alternatives may offer more to both parties rather than going through the litigation process.