Patient Rights and Responsibilities
In order to maintain a peaceful and hygienic atmosphere in medical facilities, both medical professionals and patients have certain duties that must be strictly adhered to.
These duties are essential for the well-being of everyone involved and contribute to a safe and effective healthcare environment.
FAMILY AND PATIENTS RIGHTS
At the hospital, patients & their family have the right to:
1. To be treated with respect, consideration, compassion and dignity regardless of your age, gender, race, origin, religion, sexual orientation or disabilities.
2. To be addressed by proper name and informed about the name of the doctors, nurses and other healthcare team members involved in the care.
3. To have full consideration of the privacy, dignity and confidentiality in care discussions, examination and treatment.
4. Protection from physical abuse and neglect.
5. Right to quality care & treatment consistent with available resources & generally acceptable standards.
6. A clear and understandable explanation by your doctor/trained staff about your diagnosis, as well as the benefits and risks of each treatment and expected outcome.
7. To participate in decisions involving your healthcare and to refuse treatment except when such participation is contradicted for medical reasons.
8. To be educated about the medications, diet, prevention & other aspects of the disease process.
9. To clarify all your doubts before signing the consent forms such as general consent form and consent form for surgery/ anesthesia/ high risk procedures.
10. To be informed about pain and pain relief measures to participate in your pain management plan.
11. To request for second opinion and change of doctor.
12. To be informed about transfer to another facility or organization & provided complete explanation, including alternatives to a transfer.
13. To agree or refuse to take part in medical research studies, still continue to receive medical treatment.
14. To be involved in the discharge plan.
15. You have the right to have access to the rate list and expected cost of treatment.
16. To be informed about the financial implications when there is a change in patient condition or treatment setting.
17. You have the right to make suggestions and express grievances.
18. To have your own medical record available on request.
19. To receive care & treatment in a safe & secure environment, free from physical, sexual and verbal abuse & neglect.
PATIENTS /FAMILY RESPONSIBILITY
Responsibilities of patients and their families are to:
1. To keep appointments & be on time for appointments.
2. To provide complete and accurate information about current and past illness, medications, and other matters pertaining to your health.
3. To follow the treatment plan recommended by your doctor.
4. To actively participate in your pain management plan and keep your doctors and nurses informed of the effectiveness of your treatment.
5. You are responsible for your actions if you refuse treatment or do not follow the doctor’s instructions.
6. To take care of your belongings.
7. To treat all hospital staff, other patients and visitors with courtesy, dignity and respect.
8. To pay your bills in a timely manner.
9. To understand all instructions before signing the consent forms.
10. You needed to be respectful of the property & privacy of others & of the hospital.
11. Not to bring any weapons, alcohol or unauthorised drugs into the hospital.
12. Respect the hospital as a no smoking zone.
13. Control noise & the number of visitors.
14. To report any issues, complaints or concerns that may affect your care.
By Dr Bashir Ahmad
Dr Bashir Ahmad is Director Eye Care and Research Centre
