Medico-legal aspects of anaesthesia practice

The public especially in West Malaysia are becoming more aware of their rights and litigations are on the increase. Fortunately in East Malaysia there are fewer cases. The legal aspects of anaesthesia practice are very much on the lines of British system. Here the cause for compensation or legal action depends on the proof of negligence. Currently in West Malaysia all anaesthetics are being given by medical practitioners. In East Malaysia the anaesthetics are being given mainly by Medical Assistant's who have been trained for about six months to give anaesthesia in all government hospitals. There are guidelines on minimum standard of safety for patients undergoing general anaesthesia, though this is not as elaborate as those in Western countries.