Lack of safeguards for patient rights in India

Patients & health workers protest breach of rights at private hospitals

Advocate Ira Gupta 

On 26.02.2019, hundreds gathered at Jantar Mantar in Delhi to protest the lack of safeguards for patient rights in India, especially at private hospitals.

Patients, their families and health workers came together to kick off a nationwide campaign. They are also petitioning the Government to act on issues of medical malpractice, overcharging, violation of rights and the lack of accountability at private hospitals.

They met with Health Ministry Officials on Tuesday to put forward their three key demands.

The delegation wants the National Human Rights Commission’s ‘Charter for Patient Rights’ to be immediately adopted and implemented by the government.

This charter was made public by the Health Ministry about 6 months ago, but since then there has not been any active movement.

They also want private hospital rates to be regulated in order to make them more affordable. And lastly, they want the grievances of patients to be dealt with efficiently.

The official also said that the government “would accelerate the process of notifying standards for hospitals under the Clinical Establishments Act.”

(Source: Latestlaws.com)

Dr KK Aggarwal

Padma Shri Awardee

President Elect Confederation of Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania   (CMAAO)

Group Editor-in-Chief IJCP Publications

President Heart Care Foundation of India

Past National President IMA