Fewer suits filed against public hospitals

Singapore: Yearly figures concerning suits against public hospitals fell from 15 cases a year between 1997 and 2000 to 11.2 cases in recent years. Due to the National Healthcare Group (NHG) chief, the reason for the reduction is better communication between doctors and patients as well as better care. Studies have shown that patients often make claims or file suits as a result of being poorly informed about their treatment process or options. The real cause of litigation, therefore, is poor communication. Being aware of the importance of a good doctor-patient communication, the Health Ministry started a medical mediation scheme to tackle disputes at lower costs.

While litigation figures have fallen, the amount of damages awarded has been going up. The biggest payout from a medical suit in Singapore was USD2m, paid in 2006.

Source: Straits Times, 20 October 2007
Asian Casualty Report 10th Edition June 2008 – Gen Re