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Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Patient
Every patient deserves respect, clear information and safe care. The Charter of Patients' Rights was adopted by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and in 2019 the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare shared it with all states and union territories. Health is a state subject, so each state decides how to put it into practice. At Dr. R.K. Thakur Hospital we want every patient and family to know these rights. Below is a plain-language summary, and how you can raise a concern with us.
Your rights as a patient
The charter lists 17 rights. In simple words, you have the right to:
- Information: know your illness, its cause, the diagnosis, planned tests and treatment, and possible complications, in a language you understand
- Records: get copies of your case papers, reports and discharge summary; a photocopy fee may apply
- Emergency care: receive basic emergency care without first being asked to pay
- Informed consent: have the main risks explained, and give written consent before an operation or risky test
- Confidentiality, dignity and privacy, including a female attendant's presence when a male doctor examines a female patient
- A second opinion from a doctor of your choice, without your care being affected
- Transparent rates and an itemised bill
- Treatment without discrimination based on illness (including HIV status), religion, caste, gender, age, sexual orientation, language or origin
- Safe, clean and quality care according to accepted standards
- Choose between available treatment options, including refusing treatment after understanding the consequences
- Buy medicines at any registered pharmacy and get tests done at any accredited laboratory
- A proper referral or transfer, explained to you and made in your interest, not for commercial reasons
- Protection and informed consent if you are asked to join a clinical trial
- Protection and informed consent if you take part in health research
- Take discharge, and for families to receive the body of a patient who has died, without being held back over a bill dispute
- Education about your condition, healthy living, your rights and relevant government health schemes
- Be heard: give feedback or make a complaint and get a fair, prompt response
Your responsibilities
The charter also asks patients and families to:
- Give the doctor full and true information about your health and medicines
- Cooperate during examination, tests and treatment, and follow the advice you agree to
- Keep appointment times, cooperate with staff, avoid disturbing other patients and keep the hospital clean
- Respect doctors and staff, and never use violence or damage hospital property, whatever the complaint
- Take responsibility for the treatment choices you make
How to raise a concern with us
If you are unhappy with any part of your care, bill, records or staff behaviour, please tell us early so we can put it right.
- If you are in the hospital, please speak first to our staff on duty
- Call or WhatsApp us on +91 72739 94786 and ask for our hospital manager
- Or email drrkthakurhealthcare@gmail.com with the patient's name, the date of the visit and your concern
- Note the date and the name of the person you spoke to
If your concern is not resolved
The charter says every complaint should be registered and answered fairly, with the outcome given in writing, and it suggests doing this within 15 days. If we are unable to resolve a concern at the hospital, the charter describes further steps through the authority that registers clinical establishments in the state. Patients also remain free to approach the State Medical Council, consumer commissions or the courts.
Frequently asked questions
What rights do patients have in Indian hospitals?
The Charter of Patients' Rights, adopted by the NHRC and shared with states by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2019, lists 17 rights. They include the right to information, to your records, to emergency care, to informed consent, to privacy and dignity, to a second opinion, to transparent rates, to non-discrimination and to be heard when you have a complaint.
How do I make a complaint at Dr. R.K. Thakur Hospital?
Please call or WhatsApp us on +91 72739 94786 and ask for our hospital manager, or email drrkthakurhealthcare@gmail.com. Share the patient's name, the date of the visit and what went wrong. If you are in the hospital, you can also speak to our staff on duty, who will inform the manager. Please raise concerns early, so that we can look into them while the details are fresh.
Can I get a copy of my reports and discharge summary?
Yes. The charter says patients and their caregivers can get copies of case papers, test reports and the discharge summary. It suggests these be given within 24 hours during admission and within 72 hours after discharge, and a photocopying fee may apply. Please ask at our reception or contact our hospital manager on +91 72739 94786.
Dr. Rajnish Kumar Thakur
Founder and Chief Surgeon: Laparoscopic, Laser, Urology and General Surgeon
MBBS, DA, MS (General Surgery)
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