The Medical Council yesterday endorsed a watered-down reform for an additional four to six lay people to help handle public complaints - but would not give them formal positions as general members of the watchdog.
That means the proposed new members, who will only sit on the council's preliminary investigation committee, do not have the power as general council members to vote on key policies or hold disciplinary hearings on doctors. The committee handles complaints and decides which should go to a full hearing.
The decision is a watered-down version of a long-overdue reform that aims to bring in more public voices to the professional watchdog.
The council has four lay members of a total 28. In 2001, it was advised to add at least four more lay members for a total of 32. But since then, it has failed to push through the reform.
Council chairwoman Professor Felice Lieh Mak has expressed frustration with the delay due to opposition from some doctors and lawmakers, and government inaction.
The council yesterday resorted to adding extra lay members to the committee only, without changing its composition.
Tim Pang Hung-cheong, spokesman for the Patients Rights Association, said it was disappointing that the council's 2001 reform plan had not materialised.
