Patient Rights Regulation and Your Fundamental Rights

Patient Rights are not just about “being treated well”. These are rights secured by international conventions and the Ministry of Health “Patient Rights Regulation”, which have legal and criminal sanctions if violated.

1. 5 Most Fundamental Patient Rights

A) Benefiting from Service and Information

Everyone has the right to access health services regardless of language, religion, or race. The patient has the right to request information about their illness, treatment, and risks in a language they can understand.

B) Choosing and Changing Physician

According to the Regulation (Art. 9), the patient has the right to choose the health institution and their doctor. They also have the right to change their current doctor or request consultation (another doctor’s opinion).

C) Privacy (Confidentiality)

The patient’s health data, body, and private life are confidential.

• Unrelated persons should not be present during examination (Curtain/Door must be closed).
• Patient’s information cannot be shared with anyone without their consent (Except legal obligations).

D) Refusing and Stopping Medical Intervention

The patient has the right to refuse the treatment to be applied to them or stop the started treatment (Except for situations where consciousness is closed during life-threatening danger). The responsibility for this belongs to the patient (Can be discharged against signature).

E) Safety and Religious Duties

Every patient has the right to expect receiving service in safety and to fulfill their religious duties within the possibilities of the institution.

2. What Should I Do If My Right Is Violated?

1. Patient Rights Unit: This unit exists in every hospital (Private/State). First application is made here. The officer takes the complaint and presents it to the hospital administration.
2. SABİM (Alo 184): Complaint can be created by calling the Ministry of Health Communication Center.
3. Compensation Lawsuit: If you suffered damage due to violation of rights (e.g., Wrong treatment, Violation of privacy), you can file a material-moral compensation lawsuit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get my file and films? A: Yes. The patient has the right to examine their file and receive a copy (photocopy/CD). The hospital cannot say “I can’t give”.

Legal Support: You can contact us for patient rights violations and compensation processes.

Professional Legal Support

Contact us for professional legal assistance on this matter.

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⚖️ Attorney Fevzi Yaşkir - Licensed attorney at Konya Bar Association providing legal consultation and case management services for international clients.