Dear Editor,
“Read the fine print” is the advice from legal advisors and applies not only to hire purchase transactions. Recently, I became a patient at the dental clinic of a hospital which prides itself as state of the art. On each occasion of my visit, on entering the examination room, prior to the commencement of my dental work, I was presented with a document by the attending doctor with instructions to sign here, there and everywhere, but not afforded the ample opportunity to carefully read and assimilate the document with pertinent questions, as may have arisen.
In other words, the documents were merely skimmed as opposed to being able to ‘read the fine print’ before affixing my signature. This practice is, in my view, unethical as it places the patient at a disadvantage of signing and, maybe, not being fully aware or understanding what was signed to. This practice should urgently be reviewed. Patients must have the time to read, fully understand and ask questions, where necessary. It is their right. After all, signing a document makes it legally binding, a commitment, which must be honoured.
Sincerely,
Shamshun Mohamed
