Editorial: Medical Law Regimen in Pakistan

The recent debate about the medical mal-practices and the legal framework there for was triggered by the tragic death of Huma Wasim Akram, Imanae Malik and Faiz Muhammad Khan. Some high profile hospitals were accused of gross negligence and the issue hit the headlines for months. The matter was taken cognizance of by the National Assembly Standing Committee on Health in December 2009. Pursuant to unanimous recommendation by the Committee, the PMDC suspended registration of some of the medical professionals and ordered closure of emergency services in one of the leading hospitals at Lahore. It was in this backdrop that the need to revisit the effectiveness of prevailing medical law regimen was felt across the board.