Medical negligence vis - à - vis medical profession in changing scenario

Since long the medical profession is considered as highly respected and a nobel profession. But today a decline in the standard of medical profession can be attributed to increasing number of litigations against doctors for medical negligence. Health services being brought under the purview of consumer protection act (CPA) & subsequent commercialization has had adverse effects on doctor-patient relationship. The recent Honorable Supreme Court's judgement on medical negligence (Jacob Mathew V. State of Punjab) is laudable in medical community but the need for corrective steps by individual doctors and controlling body i.e. Medical Council of India is utmost necessaryin changing scenario. Against all odds the medical community must rise to the occasion and strive to maintain the honour & the nobel status of this sacred profession.