The incidence of malpractice litigation varies Speciality-wise. The good news for Pediatricians is that they are quite low down in the list of at-risk specialties . In an analysis done by me a few years ago for the Association of Medical Consultants, Mumbai, the incidence amongst pediatricians was 4.30 % — 40 cases out of 910. On the top of the chart were Obstetricians and Gynaecologists followed by Surgeons and Anaesthetists. No doubt pediatricians can draw solace from this fact.
Incidentally, it may be noted that the preponderance of cases amongst pediatricians was that of neonatologists. Nevertheless, if you do get embroiled in a medical litigation, this low risk-perception would be of little consolation to you! And in any case, as I have always maintained, the best way to deal with medico-legal problems is to prevent them! It is a fact that medico-legal liability is now an…
