In a move to protect patient rights and ensure quality healthcare, the Tamil Nadu Directorate of Medical and Rural Health Services has directed all government and private hospitals to display a Charter of 17 Patient Rights. This initiative follows recommendations from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2018.

What Are the 17 Patient Rights?

Every patient deserves to be treated with respect, fairness, and transparency. These 17 key rights aim to protect patients and their families:

1. Right to information about their medical condition and treatment.
2. Right to access medical records and reports.
3. Right to emergency medical care without discrimination.
4. Right to informed consent before any procedure.
5. Right to privacy, dignity, and confidentiality.
6. Right to seek a second medical opinion.
7. Right to transparency in medical fees and prescribed rates.
8. Right to non-discrimination in treatment.
9. Right to safe and quality medical care as per standards.
10. Right to choose alternative treatment options where available.
11. Right to choose where to obtain medicines and tests.
12. Right to proper referral and transfer without commercial influence.
13. Right to protection in clinical trials.
14. Right to protection in biomedical and health research.
15. Right to discharge a patient or receive the body of a deceased relative.
16. Right to patient education about health and medical care.
17. Right to be heard and seek redressal in case of grievances.

Why This Is Important

Displaying these rights ensures that patients and their families are informed and empowered to make the best decisions regarding their healthcare. It also promotes transparency, accountability, and fairness in medical institutions, helping to build trust between patients and healthcare providers.

Guidelines for Implementation

The Directorate of Medical and Rural Health Services has instructed all Joint Directors of Health Services to ensure that these rights are displayed prominently in government hospitals. Private hospitals have also been requested to follow these guidelines. Hospitals must submit an action taken report to the Directorate without delay.

A Step Towards Better Healthcare

This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to protecting patient rights and improving the overall healthcare experience in Tamil Nadu. It is also a reminder for healthcare providers to prioritize ethical and patient-centered care.

What Can Patients Do?

• Be informed about your rights as a patient.
• Ask questions if something is unclear about your diagnosis, treatment, or billing.
• Seek a second opinion if necessary.
• Report any grievances to the appropriate authorities.

Take Action Today!

Knowing your rights as a patient is essential for ensuring safe and respectful medical care. If you or a loved one is receiving treatment, look for the display of patient rights in your healthcare facility. Speak to hospital staff if these rights are not visible or followed.

To register for our next masterclass please click here https://linktr.ee/docpreneur