PATIENT RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES
Red Crescent Hospital, Jhang is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centred Gynae, Paediatric and Neonatal care to every family we serve. We believe good care is a partnership between you, your family and our healthcare team, built on dignity, respect, clear communication and shared decision-making. This Charter summarises your rights as a patient and the responsibilities you share with us, and reflects the standards set by the Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) for all licensed healthcare establishments in the Punjab.
A. Patient Rights
1. Respect, Dignity & Non-Discrimination: You will be treated with courtesy, dignity, respect and compassion at all times, regardless of age, gender, disability, marital status, pregnancy, ethnicity, religion, cultural belief, colour, caste, sect or economic status.
2. Quality & Competent Care: You have the right to the best available standard of care from a professionally qualified and experienced team, delivered according to recognized medical ethics and clinical standards.
3. Emergency Care: You have the right to immediate, unconditional emergency treatment — General, Paediatric and Obstetric Emergency — regardless of ability to pay, before any referral to another facility is considered.
4. Identification of Your Care Team: You have the right to know the identity, qualification and role of every doctor, nurse and staff member involved in your treatment.
5. Information & Informed Consent: You have the right to a clear explanation, in a language you understand, of your diagnosis, proposed treatment, alternatives, risks and expected outcome, and to give or withhold informed consent before any procedure, operation, anaesthesia or invasive investigation. Where you cannot decide for yourself, your attendant/legal representative may do so as per Hospital policy and law.
6. Second Opinion & Choice of Provider: You may request a second medical opinion or ask to be seen by a different physician, subject to availability and Hospital policy.
7. Privacy & Confidentiality: You have the right to privacy during examination and care, and to confidentiality of your medical and personal information, disclosed only as required by law or Hospital policy.
8. Access to Your Medical Record: You have the right to a copy of your medical record, discharge summary and clinical notes, and to safe retention/transfer of records when referred elsewhere.
9. Communication Support: Reasonable efforts will be made to arrange language assistance or a facilitator if you do not speak Urdu, Punjabi or English, or have a hearing, speech, visual or cognitive impairment.
10. Pain Management: You have the right to appropriate assessment and management of pain, and to participate in decisions about pain-relief options.
11. Attendants & Visitors: One attendant may stay with an admitted patient. Visiting hours and numbers are regulated for the safety, rest, privacy and infection control of all patients — with special protocols for Maternity, Paediatric, NICU and ICU areas.
12. Financial Transparency: You have the right to know the estimated cost of treatment, tests and services in advance — including Laboratory, Radiology, Blood Bank and Pharmacy charges — and to receive a receipt for every payment.
13. Refusal of Treatment & Discharge: You have the right to refuse treatment or seek discharge against medical advice after being informed of the possible consequences; you assume responsibility for the outcome of that decision.
14. Ethical Safeguards & Research: Participation in any research or clinical study is voluntary and requires separate informed consent; refusal will not affect the quality of your care. Ethical concerns about your care may be raised with Hospital administration at any time.
15. End-of-Life & Palliative Care: Where a condition is terminal or incurable, you and your family have the right to compassionate, dignified palliative and supportive care for as long as needed.
16. Complaints & Redressal: You have the right to register a complaint, suggestion or compliment without it affecting your care, and to receive a timely response and review of the outcome.
B. Patient & Attendant Responsibilities
1. Accurate Information: Provide complete and accurate information about your medical history, current condition, allergies, medication and any change in your health status.
2. Follow the Treatment Plan: Cooperate with doctors, nurses and staff during assessment, investigations and treatment, and comply with instructions given, including discharge and follow-up instructions.
3. Appointments: Arrive on time for appointments, tests and procedures, and inform the Hospital as early as possible if you are unable to do so.
4. Hospital Rules: Abide by all Hospital rules on admission, safety, privacy and visiting hours. Smoking, weapons and unauthorized audio/video recording or photography are strictly prohibited anywhere on Hospital premises.
5. Respectful Conduct: Treat physicians, nurses, staff, other patients and their attendants with courtesy and respect. The Hospital enforces a zero-tolerance policy toward violent, abusive, threatening or disruptive behaviour; breaches may result in refusal of further treatment and/or legal action.
6. Payment of Dues: Seek information on charges in advance and ensure timely payment of Hospital bills, including Laboratory, Radiology, Blood Bank and Pharmacy charges.
7. Safety of Belongings: Safeguard your own and your attendant's personal belongings; the Hospital is not responsible for loss of cash, valuables or personal items.
8. Consequences of Refusal: Understand that if you refuse treatment or do not follow medical advice, you are responsible for the outcome of that decision.
9. Feedback: Share concerns, suggestions or complaints directly with your care team, the Complaints/Patient Experience desk, or through the Hospital's official feedback channel.
