Ombudsman criticizes Medical Council Secretariat for mishandling complaints and lacking oversight

The Medical Council Secretariat mishandled medical complaint investigations, leading to significant delays and a lack of oversight. A report revealed the Health Department lacks supervisory power over the Secretariat, and some cases were inexplicably shelved for up to seven years. The Council also failed to effectively use inquest findings. The investigation highlighted issues like poor communication with complainants, no formal appeal process for them, and inadequate support for witnesses needing interpretation services.