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Choosing Alternative Treatment Options

Last updated on May 31, 2024

A patient has the right to choose the treatment course once the doctor has informed the patient of all the options.1. The patient or their caregiver cannot be forced to follow a certain treatment against their will, even if the doctor deems it necessary.

Refusing Treatment

The patient can even refuse treatment altogether after considering the options available. The patient will then take responsibility for his own condition.

Providing Information on Treatment Options

The hospital administration is duty-bound to provide clear and accurate information to the patient regarding the options of treatment available2. The hospital or the doctor can only play an advisory role. They have to respect the patient’s final decision and treat him with fairness and respect regardless of the patient’s  decision.

  1. Annexure 8, Clinical Establishments Act (Standards for Hospital Level 1A & 1B), 2010. [↩]
  2. Charter of Patient Rights, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. [↩]

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