SAMA WARNS DOCTORS AGAINST UNLAWFUL AGREEMENTS.

(From SAPA (South African Press Association))

The 16,000-strong South African Medical Association (Sama) called on doctors to be careful before joining large health care networks, which could jeopardise their professional autonomy and clinical independence. In a media statement on Tuesday, Sama said its stance was in line with a World Medical Association's (WMA) resolution at its 39th assembly, re-affirming the importance of professional autonomy as an essential component of high quality medical care and a benefit to the patient. The WMA also emphasised that the conduct of doctors should always be within the bounds of the professional code of ethics or the principles …