NHRC-sponsored legislation promises moon to patients

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has mooted a legislation promoting rights of patients with regard to treatment, access to records about illness, and right to reject treatment.

Besides, if passed, it will also ensure that no hospital can deny treatment to patients citing lack of beds or space.

The proposed Right of Patients Bill is being formulated by the NHRC in consultation with various NGOs. The aim is to allow access to certain standards of medical treatment, put in place certain safeguards and set up a strong information sharing system. Once it is ready, the proposed legislation will be sent to the health ministry for consideration.

Right of Patients is common in many countries. In India too lobbying has begun seeking rights of patients through legislation.

“The patients have a right to know about their illness, probable diagnosis and treatment planned. But this does not happen always. Many times doctors simply give them medicines. But the proposed law will ensure that patients are told about their illness in detail, and they can demand transfer to other alternatives for treatment if not satisfied,” said PC Sharma, member NHRC.

Meanwhile, the NHRC has started reviewing health infrastructure under the central and state governments following complaints of poor standards of treatment. The Commission is also focusing on quality of medicines supplied to patients and whether the deprived and marginalised are getting healthcare. It is also monitoring the mental hospitals and their conditions.