Afzal Shaikh
- Aug 14, 2023
- 3 min read

Doctors Can Refuse Treatment of Violent Patients/Relatives: NMC also demands Digital Medical record.

Updated: Dec 7, 2023

In a significant stride towards improving the healthcare landscape, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has introduced new guidelines that empower medical practitioners to decline treatment for abusive and violent patients or their relatives.

Doctors Can Now Refuse Treatment of Violent Patients or Relatives: Use of digital medical records

Hello & welcome! I am Afzal Shaikh, your Healthcare Strategist and Business Guide. With a passion for transforming healthcare, I have successfully led numerous projects, implementing cutting-edge solutions to improve patient care and operational efficiency in Various Hospitals across India.

The above critical move by the NMC formerly MCI. is aimed at curbing instances of violence against doctors and enhancing patient care. The NMC's Professional Conduct Regulations have also brought about several other noteworthy changes to enhance medical practice standards. Let's delve into the key points of this pivotal development.

Let's explore the key highlights of this transformative development, with a particular emphasis on the digital transformation of medical records:

Source:

Economic times about Digital Health records

1. Refusing Treatment for Abusive and Violent Patients:

Medical practitioners now have the authority to refuse treatment for patients or their relatives displaying abusive or violent behaviour.
This step prioritizes the safety and well-being of medical professionals while ensuring patients are referred to appropriate care.

2. Digital Medical Records: Transforming Healthcare Documentation:

The NMC emphasizes the importance of digitizing medical records for quick retrieval, enhanced security, and efficient patient care.
Medical practitioners are required to ensure fully digitized records within three years, adhering to data protection and privacy laws.
Digitization enables accurate, streamlined, and secure record-keeping, benefiting both patients and healthcare providers.

3. Transparency in Fees and Treatment Costs:

Doctors are now required to provide patients with a reasonable estimate of the cost of treatment or surgery upfront.
This transparency fosters informed decision-making, enabling patients to understand and plan for their medical expenses.

4. Accountability for Actions and Treatment Fees:

Doctors attending to patients are held accountable for their actions and are entitled to appropriate fees.
In cases where indicated fees are not paid, doctors can decline or discontinue treatment, with exceptions for government service and emergencies.

5. Timely Provision of Medical Records:

Ensuring patient access to medical records is emphasized, with doctors required to acknowledge and provide records within five working days.
In critical medical emergencies, efforts will be made to provide medical records promptly to support patient care.

6. Clarity in Medical Titles and Qualifications:

Doctors are expected to display only NMC-recognized medical degrees and diplomas as suffixes to their names.
This transparency ensures patients are well-informed about their healthcare providers' qualifications.

7. Emphasis on Ethics and Accountability:

The guidelines reinforce ethical practices and accountability within the medical profession.
Doctors are prohibited from endorsing drug brands, medicines, or equipment to maintain the integrity of medical advice.

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8. Creating a Safer Healthcare Environment:

By allowing doctors to refuse treatment for abusive or unruly patients, the NMC aims to create a safer healthcare environment for practitioners.
This change also encourages patients and their families to engage with medical professionals respectfully.

The NMC's proactive approach in implementing these guidelines is a positive step towards enhancing the doctor-patient relationship, ensuring the ethical practice of medicine, and ultimately improving patient care. With digital medical records taking centre stage, the medical landscape is poised for a transformation that benefits both medical professionals and the patients they serve.

For further insights, you can refer to the Economic Times article. This shift towards a more respectful and accountable healthcare ecosystem holds promise for a brighter future in medical practice.

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