Over-dramatised media reports and democratisation have contributed to a negative image of the medical profession in the past two 'dark years', according to the legislator representing the medical sector.
Dr Leong Che-hung, speaking on RTHK's Letter to Hong Kong, urged the profession to take action.
'The past two years have been dark years for the medical profession.
'Medical incidents, often unnecessarily dramatised, frequent the prominent pages of our newspapers,' he said.
Even the Harvard consultant teams employed to advise the Government on reform of the medical system had been unkind to the profession, Dr Leong said.
Among other things, the consultants criticised overcharging by some doctors.
Dr Leong said attacks had been common on the profession from four sources: the media; legislators; the public; and the professional bodies.