All individuals are entitled to receive healthcare. Article 27 of Chapter 528, Health Act, provides for all the rights that patients are entitled to. The right to consent or refuse medical attention care and treatment is given to any person who has attained the age of 18 years, however the Act also provides that persons who have attained the age of 16 years may grant consent or refuse procedures to be carried out, provided that the person has enough maturity and understanding. In case the medical practitioner is of the opinion that the minor does not have the required level of understanding, parental authority is to be sought.
Another extremely important right is that the patient should receive information concerning the state of his health and is given access to his medical records if asked. With regards to treatment, the patient is entitled to a wide variety of rights ensuring he is given the best service to safeguard his health. In fact, the person needs to be seen or treated without excessive or undue delay, whilst the treatment available and its various options should be discussed, and decisions have to be taken with his approval. The person has the facility to refuse treatment provided that the refusal is endorsed by the person’s signature. However, in certain cases where the medical practitioner believes treatment is urgently required in the best interest of the said person, the practitioner may ignore the act of refusal of the patient.
In case the medical service given is not up to standard, the patient is entitled to file a complaint about such service, and he has the right to be informed about the outcome.
This shall not be construed to be as advice but shall merely serve as a brief description of the rights entitled to patients. If you would like to get to know more about this, please do not hesitate to contact us on [email protected].