Dr. Maxwell Opara, a specialist in medical law, says patients in Nigeria must assert their right to access these records, as withholding them can leave individuals unaware of treatments, medications, and potential risks, potentially amounting to medical negligence.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE News on Tuesday, Dr. Opara emphasised that medical records belong to patients the moment they enter a hospital and pay for services. He noted that access to records and clear explanations of treatment are essential components of informed consent, yet too often overlooked in Nigerian hospitals.
Dr. Opara explained that once a patient enters a hospital and registers, a doctor-patient relationship is established, creating a legal duty for medical practitioners to inform patients or guardians about all treatments and medications.
“The law said as you enter into the hospital, that record is your personal property… Immediately you pay, it’s your personal property,” he said.
He further noted that patients should receive explanations of their treatment in a language they understand, and the withholding of records is a serious violation of patient rights.
“The essence of this programme now by ARISE is to inform our people: as you enter into the hospital, it is your right to know what the doctor is doing,” Dr. Opara added.
Highlighting systemic issues in Nigerian healthcare, he pointed out that many medical practitioners are unaware of what constitutes medical negligence, making it critical for citizens to actively claim their rights and document treatments.
Dr. Opara urged Nigerians to be proactive in accessing their medical records, asserting that these records are not just documents they are legal property that safeguard patients and ensure accountability within the healthcare system.
Ojo Triumph
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