Medical practitioners - Bill is a step forward in transparency

PREDICTABLY, consultants are objecting to proposals aimed at increasing lay representation on the Medical Council and introducing competency testing for doctors.

These long overdue measures are central to Government plans to take on this powerful group which dominates the health service. As anticipated, the consultants are mounting a rearguard action to protect their vested interests.

They are also opposed to having fitness to practice hearings in public because of the risk of false claims against doctors. However, in the wake of the Neary atrocity, involving the unnecessary removal of women’s wombs, it is vital that such hearings be public.

Claims that the bill would affect doctor-patient relationships do not wash. Basically, the Medical Practitioners Bill is designed to increase the accountability of the medical profession. In this, the Government can be sure of broad public support.