DOHA: The Supreme Council of Health (SCH) will issue in April the first patients’ “bill of rights” in Qatar, a document that defines the rights and duties of patients and their relationship with healthcare providers and practitioners, a senior SCH official has disclosed.
The document will be a reference point while investigating patients’ complaints and all hospitals, clinics and health centres will be bound to follow the guidelines.
“This document on the rights and duties of patients will be mandatory for all healthcare providers in the private and public sectors and is intended to protect the rights of patients and practitioners,” Masooma Fadl, director of the professional competence department at the Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners (QCHP) told Qatar News Agency.
Any violation of the charter could invite enforcement of the law governing healthcare services in Qatar. The erring practitioner or facility could face punishments including cancellation of their licence, warned the official.
Masooma said the document will be released by the end of April. QCHP is currently receiving feedback from the public and healthcare providers on its contents. The first workshop for service providers was held yesterday and another for the public is scheduled for today.
The charter contains many points that define the relationship between patients and physicians as well as healthcare providers.
It gives patients the right to complain if they are not satisfied with the services they receive. The complaint should be first made to the manager of the healthcare facility concerned and then to the QCHP if it is not addressed within the period specified in the charter.
“Most complaints we currently receive are from healthcare providers and are related to patients’ disrespect of doctors and other staff working with them,” said Masooma.
Proper investigation of the complaint within the specified period is the right of the patient. The patient also has the right to support the complaint with documents related to the treatment, and to be informed about the investigation results.
Patients have the right to get accurate information about medical diagnosis of their cases, the suggested medicines and the alternatives in comprehensible language.
Patients can bring a third person (s) with him during check-up, treatment and discussion of their cases with doctors.
Patients also have the right to privacy and respect for their bodies during check-ups.
As per the charter, the patient has the right to get detailed information about health services and health insurance.
It is their duty to cooperate with the healthcare providers in the payment of fees through health insurance or in cash.
The patient must stick to appointments given by healthcare providers. If they cannot report as scheduled they should inform in advance and will be given a new appointment.
The patient must respect rules and regulations of healthcare providers, physicians and other employees as well as other patients and their privacy.
Patients must be held responsible if they refuse a medical advice or change the medication plan without consulting the doctor concerned. Patients must update healthcare providers on their condition and provide details about the history of the disease.
The Peninsula
