The Patients’ Charter is an official document by an organization or government that enlists the Rights of the patient and their Responsibilities. Hospitals and other healthcare facilities are therefore expected to respect the rights of patients/clients and family. The Patient Charter is to enable the patient and their relatives to understand their Rights and Responsibilities.

PATIENT’S RIGHTS

1. The patient has the right to quality basic health care irrespective of his/her geographical location.
2. The patient is entitled to full information on his/her condition and management and the possible risks involved except in emergency situations when the patient is unable to decide and the need for treatment is urgent.
3. The patient is entitled to know of alternative treatment(s) and other health care providers within the Service if these may contribute to improved outcomes.
4. The patient has the right to know the identity of all his/her caregivers and other persons who may handle him/her including students, trainees, and ancillary workers.
5. The patient has the right to consent or decline to participate in a proposed research study involving him or her after a full explanation has been given. The patient may withdraw at any stage of the research project.
6. A patient who declines to participate in or withdraws from a research project is entitled to the most effective care available.
7. The patient has the right to privacy during consultation, examination, and treatment. In cases where it is necessary to use the patient or his/her case notes for teaching and conferences, the consent of the patient must be sought.
8. The patient is entitled to confidentiality of information obtained about him or her and such information shall not be disclosed to a third party without his/her consent, or the person entitled to act on his/her behalf except where such information is required by law or is in the public interest.
9. The patient is entitled to all relevant information regarding policies and regulations of the health facilities that he/she attends.
10. Procedures for complaints, disputes, and conflict resolution shall be explained to patients or their accredited representatives.
11. Hospital charges, mode of payments, and all forms of anticipated expenditure shall be explained to the patient prior to treatment.
12. Exemption facilities, if any, shall be made known to the patient.
13. The patient is entitled to personal safety and reasonable security of property within the confines of the Institution.
14. The patient has the right to a second medical opinion if he/she so desires.

PATIENT’S RESPONSIBILITIES

The patient should understand that he/she is responsible for his/her own health and should therefore co-operate fully with healthcare providers. The patient is responsible for:

1. Providing full and accurate medical history for his/her diagnosis, treatment, counseling, and rehabilitation purposes.
2. Requesting additional information and or clarification regarding his/her health or treatment, which may not have been well understood.
3. Complying with prescribed treatment, reporting adverse effects, and adhering, to follow-up requests.
4. Informing his/her healthcare providers of any anticipated problems in following prescribed treatment or advice.
5. Obtaining all necessary information, which have a bearing on his/her management and treatment including all financial implications.
6. Acquiring knowledge, on preventive, promotive and simple curative practices and where necessary to seeking early professional help.
7. Maintaining safe and hygienic environment to promote good health.
8. Respecting the rights of other patients/clients and Health Service personnel
9. Protecting the property of the health facility.