Patient Rights

EVERY PATIENT HAS RIGHT TO:

A healthy and safe environment:

Everyone has the right to be treated in an environment that ensures their wellbeing. Patients should have access to protection from all forms of environmental danger such as infection and pollution.

Participation in decision-making:

Every patient has right to participate in deciding on matters affecting his/her health.

Access to health care:

Everyone has a fundamental right to receive health care services that include:

i. treatment and rehabilitation

ii. Risks and consequences of medical services

iii. Provision for special needs

iv. Counselling

v. display of positivity, courtesy and empathy by health care providers

vi. Comprehensive health information including the options available in individual cases

Choice of health services:

Everyone has the right to choose desired health care provider, or health facility for treatment provided that such choice is not in contrast with ethical norms applicable to such facilities or healthcare providers contrary to the ethical standards applicable to such health care providers or facilities, and the choice should be in accordance with prescribed service.
Information concerning one’s health, including the details of treatment may only be disclosed with informed consent, except when required in terms of any law.

Informed consent:

Everyone has the right to be given complete and accurate details about the nature of one’s illnesses, diagnostic methods, the proposed treatments and the costs involved, so that he/she can make a decision in light of all these elements.

Be referred for a second opinion:

Everyone has the right to be referred for a second opinion on request to a healthcare provider of one’s choice.

Complain about health services:

Everyone has the right to report mistreatment or complain about health care services if needed. Each individual case must be investigated and full response must be submitted to the concerned parties.