A doctor is not bound to attend every patient. According to Regulation 2.4 of the Code of Medical Ethics Regulations - "The patient must not be neglected: A physician is free to choose whom he will serve. He should, however, respond to any request for his assistance in an emergency. Once having undertaken a case, the physician should not neglect the patient, nor should he withdraw from the case without giving adequate notice to the patient and his family. Provisionally or fully registered medical practitioner shall not willfully commit an act of negligence that may deprive his  patient or  patients from necessary medical care.”