An event happened this week that seemed not to have attracted the attention it deserves yet it was a milestone that will help improve the medical profession.

In the past, dealing with medical malpractice that could be construed as criminal negligence was like walking a tightrope.

Medical malpractice could be caused by wrong diagnosis, inappropriate prescription of drugs to a patient or just utter negligence. There have been reports in the past where doctors have left surgical instruments in patients’ bodies which later cause serious or fatal complications.

That is a clear case of criminal negligence

But when a mother dies during childbirth and fingers are pointed at the attending doctors and midwives, it becomes difficult to discern whether there was a malpractice or not.

In 2013 it was revealed that between 30 and 40 medical personnel were sanctioned annually; a high number if one considers the number of medical professionals in the country.

Those kinds of issues have now been streamlined following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the police, Office of the Prosecutor General and the Rwanda Medical and Dental Council on future collaboration.

However, establishing the level of responsibility will remain a delicate affair if the organization that oversees nurses and midwives and that of pharmacists are not brought on board. It would also help matters if there were mechanisms to evaluate whether doctors were honouring the Hippocratic Oath, a crucial element that makes sure patients get the best professional care possible.

Otherwise, the move to professionally and effectively deal with medical malpractice was long overdue.