DNA EXCLUSIVE: Indian Medical Association exhorts patients' responsibilities in draft charter panning mostly rights

With rights comes responsibilities, and that seems to be the mantra that the national doctor's body — Indian Medical Association (IMA) — seems to be impressing upon the Union Health Ministry. The Health Ministry has issued the Charter of Patients' Rights and has invited suggestions and objections from stakeholders. The IMA has already made their submissions in this regard to the Union Health Ministry.

''Only rights seem overweight in the current draft and there is populistic imbalance. Therefore, there is an urgent need to highlight patients' duties and responsibilities,'' said Dr Jayesh Lele, IMA Hospital Board of India National Secretary told DNA.

The draft Charter of Patients' Right, which was released last month by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, contains 17 different rights including the right to emergency medical care, the right to second opinion, the right to non discrimination, the right to safety and quality care, and the right to be heard and seek redressal.

Now, here's what the doctors are demanding in terms of responsibilities of patients:

It is the sole responsibility of the patient to disclose full information of illness as in it's absence diagnosis will suffer. ''Patients will have to reveal the medical history and details with regard to allergies, drug intervention, and pre-existing illnesses. If the patients hide even the smallest of medical details, it won't benefit him or her,'' said Dr Parthiv Sanghvi, Secretary, IMA, Maharashtra.

Additionally, Dr Lele opined that if patient buy drugs from chemists sans prescription, they must ensure its quality and submit official receipt of the purchase to the doctor concerned.

On treatment of HIV-affected patients, IMA said the patient should not hide information in this regard as there is every possibility that the infection may spread to others. As an established practice, HIV-related surgeries are done after all other operations, as, following this surgery, the OT needs to be sanitised completely.

Dr Sanghvi said just as patient have the right to be treated, they should also be bound to pay the hospital bills on time. ''If the patients do not pay bills on time, it will be difficult for the hospitals to continue their operation for want of funds, and may eventually have to close down,'' he noted.

Further, the relatives and associates of patients should not indulge in violence. They can instead approach law enforcement authorities, including the police, to seek redressal.

Thus, IMA emphasised the need to maintain the fundamental dignity and equality of doctors while ensuring patient rights.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Doctors said just as patients have right to be treated, they should also be bound to pay hospital bills on time. If they do not pay bills on time, it will be difficult for the hospitals to continue their operation for want of funds.
   
• Further, relatives of patients should not indulge in violence.