…We have been actively engaged in the Medical Audit of patient care in our hospital for the last 6 years… Our problems of medical ethics vary from lack of human emotional approach to greed for money; over treatment and over investigation; multiple consultations and visits; gross negligence and taking shelter under medical diagnoses in which multiple disciplines overlap.

Absence of definite guidelines from Universities or Medical Councils in defining the limits of the field of a discipline – whether it be a generalist or internist or subspecialist; absence of guidelines regarding the charges for laboratory tests, operations, consultations and visits… cause much distress to patients, management and professionals…

(Dr. Shete raises important issues. The Forum for Medical Ethics volunteers to help in the formulation of guidelines as proposed by him. We welcome suggestions from readers. Editor)