Thaindian News

New Delhi, Jan 20 (IANS) Demanding a legislation to ensure “rights of patients”, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is contemplating preparing a draft bill along with some civil society groups.

Talking to reporters here, NHRC member P.C. Sharma said the commission is holding discussions with voluntary groups, and plans to prepare a draft legislation focusing on enhancing the relations between doctors and patients.

“The legislation will aim at establishing complete harmony between patient and doctor,” Sharma said.

Asked about the key points, he said: “The patient must be told what ailment he is suffering from, this will be the main feature of the bill.”

“If a hospital has the capability to treat a patient, they can’t say no to the patient,” he added.

The member also said that an act should be made to mandate prevention and care for silicosis, a disease caused by deposition of silica in lungs, affecting workers in mining, quarrying, tunneling, and those working with many metal ores.

Silica is a main part of sand, so glass workers and sand-blasters are also exposed to silica.

Stating that silicosis was a major health problem in many states of the country, Sharma said it was because the existing norms for working in surroundings with silica are not being followed.

“There are norms for working in surrounding which has silica dust, it includes mask for workers, keeping the area wet and regular health checkups, but it is not followed,” he said.

He said that the commission has written to states and responses are awaited. The Commission also submitted an elaborate report on the disease to government in September last year.

“The government has asked for more details, so we hope they are taking steps,” he added.