Claims for financial compensation for medical mistakes in South Africa have been on the rise since 2007. Recently, however, criminal charges for medical errors have also become more prevalent. One such case is that of Dr Danie van der Walt, who was ultimately acquitted on a charge of negligently causing the death of a child. Another example is the case of Dr Peter Beale, who was charged with, but not yet tried of, causing the death of a 10-year-old. Yet another is the ongoing case and charge of murder brought against Dr Avindra Dayanand for the death of a 35-year-old patient.
These cases have raised questions about how the medical profession is regulated in South Africa. Is the regulation effective in preventing harm? How are medical practitioners held accountable for harm suffered? What are the consequences of the regulatory environment? The Conversation Africa’s Ina Skosana spoke to Larisse Prinsen, a medical law specialist, about what’s in place.
