Review of Vulnerability Theory on Patients' Rights in Medical Malpractice Cases

This study aims to analyze medical malpractice cases through the perspective of vulnerability theory, which highlights patient vulnerability as a key factor in understanding the impact of medical errors. This study uses Supreme Court Decision number 233 K/Pid.Sus/2021 as a case study, where a medical professional without specialized competency certification committed an act that significantly harmed the patient. A qualitative approach with juridical-normative methods was used to explore the dimensions of patient vulnerability as well as the legal responsibilities of medical personnel and health institutions. The results showed that patients are in a vulnerable position not only due to their dependence on medical professionals but also due to the lack of an adequate legal protection system. Patients' ignorance of their rights, combined with weak oversight of medical practices, increases the risk of becoming victims of malpractice. Vulnerability theory provides a relevant conceptual framework to understand that patient protection requires not only a punitive approach to perpetrators but also systemic improvements involving public education, strengthening the accountability of medical personnel, as well as stricter regulatory enforcement of health practices. This research contributes to expanding the discussion on victimology in the health sector by emphasizing the importance of the victim's perspective in handling malpractice cases. The implications include the development of health policies that are orientated towards victim protection, this study also suggests improving regulations in the health sector