The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India had earlier proposed a ‘Charter of Patient’s Rights’ to be implemented by state governments. However, has this even been discussed on the floor of the State Assembly by our benevolent MLAs who have been elected to serve?
What is this charter all about? A patient is entitled to a certain amount of protection to be ensured by physicians, healthcare providers, and the state, which have been codified in various societies and countries in the form of Charters of Patient’s Rights.
Legal documents on patient’s rights: In India, there are various legal provisions related to patient’s rights which are scattered across different legal documents, such as: (1) The Constitution of India, Article 21 (2) Indian Medical Council (Professional (3) Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations 2002 (4) The Consumer Protection Act 1986 (5) Drugs and Cosmetic Act 1940 (6) Clinical Establishment Act 2010 etc.
The Charter of Patient’s Rights is an important document that requires the state governments to make rules and regulations to protect patients from unwanted exploitation especially in emergency situations or medical urgency.
This charter is to generate widespread public awareness and educate citizens regarding what they should expect from their governments and healthcare providers about the kind of treatment they deserve as patients and human beings, in healthcare settings. Some states have adopted the National Clinical Establishments Act 2010. While other states have enacted their own state-level legislation like the Nursing Homes Act to regulate hospitals, do we have such an act in our State?
There are 17 Rights of Patients proposed which the State government like ours here seems to be dreaming. Legislators are meant to legislate and not manipulate.
Dominic Stadlin Wankhar
Shillong-3
