[Gatsky]

Actually doctors would be universally happy to get more help and support to deliver better healthcare. That you don't talk about that is quite telling, or is that what you mean by 'regulation'?

Casting the patient doctor relationship in terms of power dynamics is a bogus sociological construct divorced from reality. The true division of power is between those who fund healthcare and those who receive it, I would start there if you think things need to be improved.

[prashp]

Yes - regulation is not the same as better support for the healthcare system and I am surprised you do not get that distinction. Regulation is about putting rules into place to prevent fraud, malpractice and anything where the clinician may abuse the system to the detriment of patients or other healthcare professionals around them. In addition to regulation, the government should also support the healthcare system through better funding and (patient and clinical) education. It can be true that both more regulation and better support are needed.

To say there is no power dynamic between patient and doctor is wildly ignorant. There obviously is one, even if the patient is not paying the doctor directly for their services. Not sure when (if?) you went to medical school, but this is taught to all medical graduates. The field of medical ethics exists for a reason.