Mistakes and near misses: insights from Hadiza Bawa-Garba case for health systems on creating a safety net to learn

The case of Dr. Hadiza Bawa-Garba, a UK paediatric registrar convicted of gross negligence, mans-laughter following the death of a child under her care, inspired global discussion on a rather neglected aspect which is the interplay between individual accountability and systemic healthcare failures. This perspective article explores the multifaceted implications of the Bawa-Garba case, drawing key lessons for the Sri Lankan healthcare system. It emphasizes the role of structural deficiencies, the potential misuse of reflective practice documentation, the necessity of adequate supervision and support for junior doctors, and the importance of cultivating a no-blame culture. Additionally, it highlights the educational value of learning from near misses, which are often ignored in clinical practice. By looking at these issues with a local perspective, the article advocates for system-level changes that support safe, ethical, and sustainable medical practice in Sri Lanka.