Patients will soon be able to complain to a Medical Council panel about doctors' performance.
Currently, the council, the governing body of the profession, only deals with complaints of misconduct.
But chairman Dr Lee Kin-hung said complaints of misconduct were outnumbered by those about performance - treatment and skills which were below standard rather than negligent.
About 200 complaints were received by the council, of which about 40 required further investigation.
The council would set up a Professional Performance Committee, said Dr Lee. 'If a doctor is not up to standard, the committee will suggest he attend courses to upgrade his standard. He will be asked not to perform certain medical treatments.' The committee of doctors will have no power to impose penalties on under-performing practitioners and will meet in secret.
Dr Lee said the council did not think the public would benefit from open meetings. It proposed to set up the committee next year.
During a Legco health services panel yesterday, Dr Lee insisted the council represented the interests both of doctors and patients.
