National Health Bill 2009

Hailing from a hamlet which neither had a proper road nor any hospital, I was a witness of several deaths due to lack of infrastructure and medical facilities. The worst is the refusal by the hospitals to attend any emergency patient due to lack of money, police issues etc., . The medical fraternity was happy to see a fellow human being die rather than not using their costly gadgets. After all human life is the cheapest commodity in India. I only wish this kind of arrongance from the so-called learned doctors will come to an end with the proposed bill to boost patients' rights.

If only this piece of legistation gets approved, every patient has the right to question "over billing", denying medical records or referring the patient else where without any reasons. Thanks to "Jan Swasthya Abhiyan" (People Health Movement)for the long standing war for patient rights.
This piece of legislation will regulate the Public and private healthcare systems.

Till now the term "Patient's Right" was interpreted through other case laws and court judgements. After the "National Health Bill 2009" Patient Rights including emergency care could be very well understood. The bill will also make it madatory for the hospitals to have grievance mechanism to address patient complaints.
As the Indian Healthcare system is near the crisis point, its imperative that the law makers pass the bill as early as possible.

The proposed bill has some vital rights spelled out for the patients.
1. No one shall be denied emergency treatment due to inability to pay fees or need for police clearance.
2. Patient have the right to know name of doctor and nurse treating them.
3. Patient have the right to get a summary of their condition or to seek a second opinion.

Hope this bill brings cheers to the millions of patients across India and the law is follow in letter and spirit.