Kondo says using mastectomy as the standard treatment for breast cancer in women, rather than the less traumatic lumpectomy, is an example of such backwardness. Media revelations and the growing clamor from activist groups have forced the medical establishment to be more responsive. Apart from previously unheard-of public apologies to patients by doctors and nurses, the Health and Welfare Ministry has instructed doctors in state hospitals to release medical records if the patient asks for them. And a report released this month by the Japanese Nursing Association gives a measure of the dangers patients run. It reveals that the wrong medication was handed out nearly once a day on average at each of 11 hospitals surveyed.
Overwork is clearly part of the problem.
Hospital representatives acknowledge a problem, but warn of the dangers of a witch-hunt. But when the situation is not clear, it is important to examine both sides before pinning the blame on the doctor. But when they do, nobody denies they ever happened. The government is once again urging Singaporeans to procreate. All Rights Reserved.