Choosing Alternative Treatment Options

Home / Legal Explainers / Health & Environment / Patient Rights / Patient Rights / Choosing Alternative Treatment Options

A patient has the right to choose the treatment course once the doctor has informed the patient of all the options.(( Annexure 8, Clinical Establishments Act (Standards for Hospital Level 1A & 1B), 2010)).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 available(( Charter of Patient Rights, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare)). 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.

Have a question you want to ask our legal experts?

Ask Nyaaya

Related Resources

Patient Rights in India

Patients' Rights include specific laws which guide medical health professionals in maintaining a standard of care and treatment of patients.

Obtaining Information About Medical Records or Reports

Patients have the right to obtain authentic information regarding their medical condition, method of treatment and options for treatment.

Right to Confidentiality, Dignity and Privacy

All medical professionals have to maintain the highest level of confidentiality regarding the private details of the patient.

Right to Second Opinion

This right to second opinion protects the freedom of a patient to seek the medical care that the patient thinks is best and most appropriate.

Right to Choose Source for Medicines/Tests

Patients have the right to decide where they want to buy medicines from or where they want to get tests done from.

Non-Discrimination Among Patients

Doctors and medical personnel cannot refuse treatment on the grounds of gender, sexuality, caste, religion, race or place of birth.