Doctors and other health workers are entitled to the same fundamental rights as every citizen of India. They also carry professional duties toward patients. A safe workplace, freedom to practise medicine lawfully, and protection from violence are part of that balance. Article 14 guarantees equality before the law. Article 19(1)(g) protects the right to practise a profession. Article 21 protects life, personal liberty, dignity, and, through decided law, privacy.
A doctor must give care that meets accepted medical standards, keep proper records, take informed consent except in a real emergency, and keep patient information confidential. Treatment cannot be refused in an emergency only because the patient cannot pay. Outside an emergency, a doctor may decline a case, but the refusal must not be discriminatory or abandon a patient already under care.
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The right to a workplace free from assault, intimidation, and damage to hospital property. Several States have specific laws against violence on medicare service persons and medicare service institutions.
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The right to follow the ethics code issued under the National Medical Commission framework, and to a fair inquiry before any professional penalty.
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The right to reasonable working hours, safety equipment, and support staff, especially in government hospitals and during epidemics.
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The right of a patient, which the doctor must honour, to know the diagnosis, the proposed treatment, the likely risks, and the expected cost.
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The right to seek police help and legal remedy when a doctor or hospital staff member is attacked while on duty.
