1. PATIENTS’ RIGHTS &
RESPONSIBILITIES
DR. ARUN BAL

2. CONCEPT OF PATIENTS RIGHTS
• Part of Human Rights
• Evolved over last 3 decades
• Strong patients right movement
• Still in infancy in India
• Impetus given by Consumer Protection Act
• Protection of Patients Rights is Physicians duty
• Well known in ancient India
• Bill of patients rights in USA

3. PATIENTS RIGHTS
 Right to get considerate and respectful care
 Right to Information
 Right to give informed consent
 Right to privacy
 Right to Confidentiality
 Right to Obtain reasonable care and treatment
 Right to get copies of all medical records
 Right to know whether patient is part of any trial
or clinical research
 Right to get details of Treatment cost/ payments
 Right to expect continuity of Care
 Right to obtain Second opinion

4. Responsibilities of Patients
• Provide accurate, relevant information for proper
diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and counseling purposes
• Comply and follow doctors instructions diligently
• Inform the physician in case of any problems
• Take preventive measures in case of infectious diseases
• Enquire about the costs of treatment
• Make payment of bills
• Take care and protect the hospital environment
• To utilize the health system properly and do not
abuse/monopolize it
• Respect autonomy of doctors, nurses and other staff

5. Responsibilities of Patients
• Be aware that doctors and nurses are also human beings and
amenable to mistakes
• Treat doctors, nurses and hospital staff with respect
• To preserve all medical records
• To be aware of the health facilities offered in local area
• Keep the doctor informed if pt wants to change hospital or
doctor
• No doctor shopping
• Take care of ones health know the body, lifestyle eg
consumption of tobacco alcohol, sleep exercise

6. Responsibilities of Patients
• Do not self medicate or be influenced by advts/advice by non
medicos
• Have a guide in the medical profession
• Have an advanced directive. Let your health will be known.

7. DOCTOR PATIENT RELATIONSHIP
Professional Relationship Is
Contract FOR service
NOT
contract of service

8. CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT
 Enacted in 1986
 Medical Profession included in 1992
 Opposition from the Medical Professionals.
 Increases awareness amongst the patients
 Debate for regulation for private sector

9. AREAS OF INTERVENTION
PATIENTS RIGHTS MOVEMENT
EXPERT OPINION SERVICE

10. EXPERIENCE OF ACASH
 Instigation of cases
 Communication failure
 Indiscriminate use of technology
 Lack of standards
 Poor record keeping
 Lack of easy access for redressal
 Poor infrastructure