'Patients should not be denied treatment for lack of money'; High Court issues important directions

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has ruled that patients should not be denied treatment for reasons such as lack of money or absence of documents. The court directed that hospitals should function in accordance with the Clinical Establishment Act. It also pointed out that it is the responsibility of the hospitals to ensure the safety and stability of patients' health conditions. The court also issued important guidelines for hospitals and asked the government to make sure these are properly implemented.

According to the directions, hospitals must examine patients who arrive at the emergency department and ensure their condition is stable. If a patient needs to be shifted to another hospital for further treatment, the current hospital must take responsibility for the transfer. Hospitals are also required to clearly display treatment charges, list the names and services of doctors in both English and Malayalam, display information about the complaint redressal system, and maintain a complaint desk. Complaints must be resolved within seven days; if not, they should be forwarded to the district medical officer.