Duty of Candour in Indian Context: How Much Information is too Much for Our Patients?

Introduction: Duty of candour is the requirement of all physicians i.e., being open and honest with their patients especially when things are likely to go wrong or have gone wrong. This is very crucial especially in high risk branches such as obstetrics and gynaecology where two lives, mother and baby are at stake. Background: Following this duty of candour can be very tricky in present day Indian scenario, when patient trust is difficult to gain and every move of the physician is taken by patient as a means of monetary gain. Method: We present a review article with stimulated examples of commonly encountered scenarios in obstetrics and gynaecology where physician duty and patient interest are at stake. These are followed by discussion. Conclusion: The current scenario in Indian subcontinent is such that doctors are afraid to tell in detail about any inadvertent complications patients may file lawsuit or claim monetary compensation or damage the hospital.