KIGALI - Accidents resulting from medical practice will be covered by insurance once a new legislation, being proposed by the Ministry of Health, is passed.

This was disclosed by the minister, Dr Richard Sezibera, yesterday, while presenting the bill regulating professional medical insurance and establishing mediation committees before the Parliament’s Chamber of Deputies.

Sezibera said the draft law also provides for the establishment of a special committee responsible for mediating compensations to victims.

The committee will largely be composed of medical practitioners and officials from the local government.

Sezibera told the House that the law will promote amicable settlement of disputes resulting from medical accidents.

"The law provides the procedure for compensation of victims of medical risks, in a conciliatory manner rather than depending on judicial proceedings, hence strengthening confidence between healthcare providers and patients,” he said.

However, some lawmakers were concerned about accidents caused by the negligence or carelessness of medical professionals.

The minister assured the House that such cases are dealt with professionally, as they arise, in accordance to the professional Code of Conduct.

He urged the MPs to cooperate in identifying such errant practitioners so that disciplinary action can be taken.

The draft legislation was forwarded to a special committee for further scrutiny.

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