New Delhi: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has reiterated that every patient in India is legally entitled to dignified and safe medical treatment, with the Charter of Patient Rights clearly defining protections and responsibilities within the healthcare system. The charter aims to strengthen accountability among healthcare institutions and empower patients and caregivers with improved awareness.
According to the charter, all patients must receive equal and respectful treatment irrespective of caste, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, economic status, language or geography. Hospitals — government and private — are required to provide immediate emergency care without demanding advance payment, as upheld by the Supreme Court. Patients have the right to clear information about their illness, treatment procedures, medical tests, alternatives, associated risks, doctors’ qualifications and treatment costs in a language they understand.
Informed consent is mandatory before surgeries, anesthesia, blood transfusion and other critical procedures, and patients retain the freedom to accept or refuse treatment after being made aware of consequences. Confidentiality of medical records must be maintained except in matters of public interest. Patients also have the right to a safe and infection-free hospital environment, protection from negligence or abuse, full disclosure of estimated medical expenses and an itemised bill after treatment. Access to medical records must be provided within 24–72 hours of discharge upon payment of applicable fees.
The charter also guarantees a system for filing complaints regarding treatment quality or staff behaviour, ensuring timely grievance redressal through hospital grievance cells or government health authorities.
Alongside rights, the ministry emphasised patient responsibilities, including providing accurate medical information, following prescribed treatment plans, reporting complications promptly, cooperating respectfully with healthcare staff, adhering to hospital policies and paying medical bills on time. Punctuality for appointments or advance intimation of absence are also expected.
Experts note that lack of awareness, especially in rural areas, billing transparency concerns and slow grievance mechanisms remain key challenges. Policy measures such as the Right to Health Act — which mandates free emergency treatment — are viewed as essential to bridge gaps and align healthcare protection with the constitutional right to life.
Health specialists observe that strengthening both patient rights and responsibilities is crucial to improving trust, cooperation and quality across India’s healthcare system.