Right to Emergency Care -- by Dr. Leo Rebello

[Guest guest]

Right to Emergency Care

Date of .Judgment : 23.02.2007Case No. : Appeal (civil) 919 of 2007

The Supreme Court has ruled that an injured person, especially in the case of roadaccidents, assaults, etc., when brought to a hospital/medical centre, has to be given first aid, stabilized and shifted to a government hospital, if required. The hospital has also to complete the police formalities and cannot detain a patientfor payment.

As a conscientious citizen, if you wish to help someone in an accident, go ahead and do so. Your responsibility ends as soon as you leave the person at the nearest hospital / nursinghome/critical care centre. The hospital has to bear the responsibility of informing the police, giving first aid, arranging for transfer, if required, to other hospital etc. and cannot ask you to pay on behalf of the accident or assault victim.

Please circulate this important information to create the desired awareness.