The Doctors for Health Reforms Association (HRDA), Telangana has expressed dismay over the recent Supreme Court judgment which ruled that compensation proceedings in medical negligence cases can continue even after the death of a doctor, with the legal heirs being sued to the extent of the inherited property.
In a statement issued on Wednesday (May 6), the association said that while it respects the Supreme Court’s constitutional authority, the broader implications of the verdict for the medical profession and medical families require urgent national discussion and legislative review.
The HRDA stated that the practice of medicine involves highly specialized and individual professional responsibility that often requires complex clinical decision-making under stressful and emergency conditions. “Extending lawsuits to family members who were not involved in patient care could cause emotional, financial and psychological hardship to dependents of deceased physicians,” they said.
The association also said the ruling could exacerbate an existing climate of fear and uncertainty among health professionals, who have already faced violence, criminal prosecution, protracted lawsuits, social media harassment and burnout. She warned that such developments could contribute to defensive medical practice and discourage young doctors from entering high-risk specialties and underserved rural health sectors.
The association urged the Union government, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the National Medical Commission (NMC) and other stakeholders to examine the long-term implications of the judgment on healthcare delivery systems in India and work towards a balanced legal framework that would protect both the rights of patients and medical professionals.
Published – 06 May 2026 20:36 IST
