Most of us believe that our medical and other health related information is private and is protected. As an individual we supposedly can decide who can look at and receive the information like our insurers, employers or any other government health care agency. In India even though there is no clear rule / law which states what information can be shared in the public domain. The Privacy Bill, 2011 could be the initial step from the government on implementing some privacy act. Here is the news article that appeared in The Deccan Herald.
Getting this rule implemented calls the hospitals to review the existing security measures followed in safe guarding the patients’ health information. In short your health information shall be protected in a way that does not interfere with your health care. The health information cannot be shared without your written permission unless the law allows it but it is also necessary to keep a complete audit trail who has accessed the same to avoid any misuse. To view the analysis of the Privacy bill click here