MEDICAL MALPRACTICE insurance is contributing to financial deficits at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), its chief executive officer has said.
Dexter James said insurance coverage was costing $1.75 million annually but costs were also rising as doctors practised “defensive medicine” to minimize the risk of lawsuits.
He was speaking at the QEH’s 48th anniversary service at the First Baptist Church on Constitution Road, where staff congregated to launch week-long celebrations.
The CEO said about $154 million was allocated to run the island’s flagship health care facility each year, but spending was running at more than $200 million.
Some of the reasons for the widening deficit include the increased cost of drugs, medical supplies and pharmaceuticals, and obsolescence and advancing technology. . (YB)
