The rights of a patient

The rights of a patient

Referring to the letter Offended doctor cancels operation
published in The Jakarta Post on Oct. 10, 2000, I would like to
make several comments.

In her letter Ms. Wulandari lamented that Dr. P violated his
code of conduct by canceling her mother's operation and demanding
her mother be taken home for unclear reasons.

Actually Ms. Wulandari could file a complaint with the
Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) or the Medical Ethics Code
Council. The irresponsible doctor could be accused of violating
certain articles of the Health Law, Civil Code or even Criminal
Law.

With regard to the status file (medical record) of her mother,
she has the right to possess such a record to be used as a
reference when seeking a second opinion. The Dr. P's hospital
should provide her with the medical record.

In fact, a patient has three principle rights: The right to
receive health care, the right to information and the right to
self-determination.

H.M. HADI S.

Cimahi, West Java