Transparency in Healthcare: Need for clear identification of Medical Professionals : Balvinder
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Balvinder Singh, a renowned RTI and social activist, has once again raised concerns regarding the adherence to standard protocols by hospital staff.
Sharing a personal experience, Singh revealed that during a recent visit to a government hospital for food poisoning treatment, several individuals attended to him, many carrying stethoscopes, but none displaying any form of identification.
“As a patient, it was difficult to determine whether I was being treated by a qualified doctor, a specialist, or a medical assistant,” Singh stated.
This lack of transparency, he emphasized, is a serious violation of a patient’s right to know the qualifications and identity of their healthcare provider, especially in critical medical situations.
The Medical Council of India (MCI), under the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Ethics) Regulations, 2002, underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in patient care. These regulations mandate that every registered medical practitioner must wear an identification badge or nameplate during their professional duties, clearly displaying their name, designation, and registration number.
Such protocols are essential for fostering accountability and empowering patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare, ensuring trust in the competence of the attending medical professionals.
“In a hospital setting where lives are at stake, knowing that a skilled and qualified doctor or specialist is handling your case can make all the difference,” Singh added.
He strongly urged the Lieutenant Governor’s administration to strictly enforce the requirement for visible identification for all healthcare workers in medical institutions across the J&K UT.
This measure, he argued, will not only improve transparency but also elevate patient trust and create a safer healthcare environment.
“Understanding the credentials of those providing care is not merely a formality-it is a fundamental right,” Singh concluded.
