Private Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Diagnostic Centres Warned of Strict Action for Violating Patient Privacy
Anantnag, Aug 01: In a significant move to safeguard patient privacy and uphold medical ethics, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Anantnag, has issued a strict order prohibiting all private hospitals, nursing homes, diagnostic centres and other clinical establishments in the district from recording, publishing or uploading photographs, videos or any other audio-visual material of patients without prior written permission.
According to an official order issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer, Anantnag, it has come to the notice of the authorities that certain private clinical establishments have been recording and disseminating photographs and videos of patients on social media and other digital platforms without obtaining the required consent and authorization.
The order states that such practices violate the principles of patient confidentiality, privacy and professional ethics and are inconsistent with the provisions of the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, the rules framed thereunder and other applicable laws.
The CMO has directed that no private hospital, nursing home, diagnostic centre or any other clinical establishment shall record, publish or upload any patient-related photograph, video or audio-visual material from any area of the healthcare facility without obtaining the patient’s prior written informed consent as well as prior written permission or a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer, Anantnag.
The order further places responsibility on proprietors, managing directors and medical superintendents of all private clinical establishments to ensure strict compliance with the directions.
It warns that any violation of the order will invite appropriate legal and administrative action under the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, and other applicable laws, including suspension or cancellation of registration wherever warranted.
The CMO has directed that the order shall come into force with immediate effect and must be complied with in letter and spirit.
Copies of the order have been forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag, Director Health Services Kashmir, all private hospitals and nursing homes in the district for information and immediate compliance.(KNC)
