Providing a legal cover for doctors

Medical negligence cases are being fought like never before. Ever since the Supreme Court directed the AMRI Hospital in Kolkata to pay Rs 11.4 crore as compensation to Dr Kunal Saha, a US based Indian origin doctor, who lost his wife due to medical negligence, things have changed dramatically. To offer solutions and guide doctors on such issues, Delhi based firm LegalMD announced a risk management solution to medical professionals. The service is new and is not widely known. It had set up a stall at ‘Global Cancer Conference & Medicare Summit’ at the HICC.

Shailesh Ahluwalia, co-founder of LegalMD Global Consulting Services Pvt. Ltd, said, “Obviously patients expect the best service when they are paying exorbitantly. No one believes a single doctor’s opinion any longer. When people seek a second opinion, which projects an all together different picture of the disease and treatment, it gives rise to mistrust. Under such circumstances, a doctor who is supposed to concentrate on treatment, starts worrying about medico- legal cases.”

“Unfortunately doctors are not taught about the subject extensively while studying MBBS. Hence we offer services which include any issues raised by patients and treatment. Right now 2,000 doctors have registered with us, each paying Rs 8,500 to Rs 13,000 depending on the specialty, which is an annual payment per annum. In return, they get customised professional indemnity insurance to protect doctors from medico legal cases. However, as per this membership, insurance only up to Rs 5 lakh is provided. If they want extra insurance, they have to additionally pay for it,” informed Shailesh

“We provide medico-legal services; handle the police and Right to Information (RTI) related issues. We also offer medico-negligence training to doctors and paramedics. We see to it that doctors comply with all legal duties and audit their practice. We help strengthen their weak areas,” said Shailesh.

“Our team of medico-legal and management consultants have more than eight years of experience in the industry who have handled 8,000 plus cases and offer expertise in a variety of areas. We provide world class risk management solutions to medical professionals to help them stay focused on their medical practice, without worrying about the possible issues arising from patient treatments,” he concluded.