Article October 12, 1918 Issue

From the Press

[The Natal (South Africa) Witness]

Why is it that in a single case of not calling in the doctor when there is a death a criminal prosecution results at once, yet in the many cases when a doctor is called and there is a death, not one of those cases is ever inquired into, let alone prosecuted? We have as much respect for the medical profession as anyone, but we must confess we cannot see why it should be practically the only calling, in the exercise of which there is danger to life, which is completely and absolutely immune from the consequences of ignorance or carelessness. All other trades and professions involving risk to life are severely "censored," and if a life is lost there is immediate inquiry, and if necessary severe punishment. No person will deny that even the most skillful exercise of the doctor's or the surgeon's calling often involves grave risk to the life of the patient. But if the patient succumbs to that risk, is any attempt whatever made to ascertain in how far it was avoidable, or due to carelessness? None!—nor is the surgeon responsible to anybody for proof that all proper precautions were taken, or even that he was competent to perform the operation which ended in death.

We hope none of our medical friends will take offense at these reflections, which are not reflections on a noble and honorable profession, but on the inequity with which the law makes flesh of one and fowl of another to no logical or reasoning purpose.

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