Covid-19 pandemic: Medico legal aspects in anaesthesia practice

Abstract

Anesthesiology is a specialty that delivers prompt and positive results in patient care. It is natural for the general population to expect the highest degree of care and services from anesthetist. In the present time, patients are much more aware of their rights and medical procedure-related negligence. If any catastrophe occurs, it grabs news headlines very quickly. Laypeople suspect negligence in such cases, and these cases land up in the court of law. In the courts, decisions are left to the judiciary, which can be potentially influenced by the opinion of the general public. There has been a rising trend in medical negligence cases registered in consumer courts after the decision of the Supreme Court, that the services provided by an anesthesiologist come under the word "service" of Consumer Protection Act (1986). So the apprehension amongst the anesthesiologists regarding the legal issues is rising. And it has more value in the present COVID-19 pandemic to deal with. This article highlights the importance of maintaining the standard of care and protocols by which anesthesiologists can avoid legal consequences. Doctors should have legal awareness so that they can defend their cases in courts properly. There is a need to maintain a healthy doctor-patient relationship, good record keeping, and to provide a reasonable standard of care.