Patients and Their Rights.

During senior high school, boys who had "BERIBERI" in their private parts could not visit the school's health centre for treatment. They feared that their health condition might be known by other students at the health centre, despite the level of professionalism by the nurse. Also, they never discussed their health condition with their love partners despite the painful experience.

Dear reader, would you have told him or her about your "BERIBERI" condition? Who would ever do that in this life? That is why I write this letter to educate you on your rights as a patient.

Health issues are matters concerning to the heart of patients, hence they restrict information access to individuals they deem unacceptable. Perhaps, you might have health issues that your parent, wife, husband, doctor or loved one does not know. No need to argue, right?

Death is inevitable but a life lost due to a failed health system is unpardonable. The 70-year man isn't the only person to be a victim of such act. This became news headlines and disappeared into thin air. Have our leaders ever been at the receiving end of this health system?

When you read a book written by Rev. Prof. Seth Ayettey, titled: "Can You Hear the Angels Sing?". He explains the situation of been at the receiving end of a failing health system.

Posterity, after years of receiving treatment at the hospital, you seem not to know your rights as a patient. Have you heard about the Patient Charter?  It outlines the rights and responsibilities of the patient at the hospital. Okay, take a seat and quench your thirst with a cup of jolly juice as I educate you. Today, let us focus on the rights of a patient, I will talk about the responsibilities of the patient in my next letter.

Below is an infograph indicating the rights of a patient.

Many health care institutions fail to indicate whether the person is a student, ancillary or a trainee. We all see them as health professionals. Don't hesitate to look at the tags of  people who are administering treatment to you in the hospital. It is your right to know, just smile and inquire of their professional status. Isn't that simple? 

Generally, people feel insecure when discussing issues about their health. During consultation, patients must insist on their privacy when a third party who is not relevant to the issue is present.  there is a need for privacy during consultation. We have rights as patients and we need to seek it without fear.

Check out number 7, every cost must be explained to the patient prior to treatment. Sometimes, people insist that the health professionals attend to the patient even though they cannot afford it. The public considers health professionals as heartless due to the issue of payment before treatment.

We are tied to responsibilities as we grow, hence our lives affect the people around us. Guard your health with your life. 

HEALTH IS WEALTH.

"I believe that the greatest gift you can give your family and the world is a healthy you."