Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) today said that patients in Kashmir hospitals are photographed without their informed consent which is unethical.
President DAK Dr Nisar ul Hassan in a statement said that obtaining pictures of patients without their authorization is against moral and ethical principles.
“It is mandatory that all clinical images should be taken after written consent and the patient should be fully informed as to the purpose of the photography. Whether photos are needed for publications, presentations or media, patient consent is a must. The code of conduct of the MCI states that photographs of patients must be taken with informed consent,” he said.
Adding, consent, particularly informed consent is the cornerstone of patient’s right.
“Informed consent is the most important legal doctrine in patients’ rights. Therefore, photographing or videotaping patients without their permission is not only unethical but is illegal as well. Photographs are either taken without patient consent or with casual verbal consent without giving clear explanation of the purpose of photograph,” he said.
He said patients may not be in a position to object to this practice because of the stress of illness or the fear that they might be treated badly if they express an objection.
“It is ironical that pictures are uploaded on social media and displayed on print media without obtaining consent from patients. This has put patients in an uncomfortable situation and has given them a psychological trauma,” he said.
The DAK head said this unethical practice is against the principles of patient autonomy and violates the right of patient privacy and confidentiality.
(PTK)