Medical disputes put consent under the spotlight

Patience Makwele

A medical specialist has called for greater emphasis on informed consent and open communication between doctors and patients, warning that many medical-legal disputes arise not necessarily from poor treatment but from misunderstandings, unmet expectations and breakdowns in communication.

The issue comes amid growing attention on medical negligence claims in Namibia. Records indicate that the ministry of health and social services paid compensation in 45 medical negligence claims between 2019 and 2024 with the payouts amounting to almost N$14.7 million.

While the figures do not capture all complaints or disputes involving private healthcare providers, they highlight the financial and human consequences of cases that escalate into legal action.

Specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr David N. Emvula says informed consent remains one of the most important safeguards against medical litigation, yet it is often misunderstood as simply signing a form before treatment or surgery.

“Informed consent is far more than a signature on a form. It is an ongoing, honest and evidence-based conversation between a doctor and a patient,” Emvula said.