Young doctors babysit foreign doctors

Over the past weeks, DR News has placed doctors from third world countries in the spotlight. These doctors have in a number of cases not possessed the requisite skill and knowledge to treat patients.

Now, several young doctors have contacted DR News. They are frustrated that they are in a situation where they are responsible for foreign doctors who, in their opinion, should not be treating patients at all.

More openness in health sector
With an eye to patient safety, the president of patient association Danish Patients is now demanding more openness in the Danish health sector.

- When we have doctors who don't do a good enough job, we need to ensure that it gets out in the open, and that we are open and frank about it so that we may learn from the experience and ensure that patients don't suffer the consequences, says Morten Freil.

Afraid to report bad doctors
But the president of Danish Patients might have to wait a long time for openness. Young doctors are afraid to come forward with their information. They are afraid that if they come out with internal criticism of the healthcare system, it might hurt their future career opportunities.

President of the Danish Regions, Bent Hansen, wants to change that situation:

- Write up concrete cases and mail them to me, and I'll deal with them. You should never cover up incompetence.

Translated by Martin Lamberth