PATIENTS' RIGHTS AND RESPONSABILITIES

PATIENT’S RIGHTS

All Rwandans, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, cultural
belief, or disability are equally entitled to receive health services to promote and
maintain good health. Whether the services are being offered through the public,
private or NGO sector, every Rwandan has certain rights which cannot be taken
away

• Respect, dignity, regardless of nationality, color, age, religion, origin, gender, and disability.
• Maintain privacy in all clinical interviews, examinations, procedures/treatments and transport.
• Receive optimal care when in a terminal state.
• Be addressed by name, and not by any other identification.
• Receive adequate assessment and relief for pain.
• Know the financial cost of their treatment.
• Request a change of physician, other health care provider and hospital if requested by the patient for therapeutic purpose.
• Receive medical care in a convenient atmosphere of safety and cleanliness.
• Expect physical safety.
• Know the reason for any test or procedure to be carried out.
• Know the nature and risks of any procedure to which they have given consent.
• Know by name the physician and staff members involved in his/her treatment.
• Obtain detailed and accurate medical report.
• Refuse signing the consent form if not fully informed.
• Refuse to participate in medical training programs and research projects.
• Expect that all records pertaining to their care, are kept confidential.

• Receive timely responses about lodging complaints. 

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  RESPONSABILITIES OF THE PATIENT

Patients who chose a hospital over another should be respectful of the
hospital’s rules and regulations for ensuring their own safety and wellbeing.
In specific, they should:

• Be considerate of the rights of the other patients.
• Notify their physician of the full details of their medical problems.
• Follow care recommendations given to them by their health provider professionals.
• Commit to medical appointments, and communicate any cancellations.
• Avoid bringing their children with them when visiting.
• Avoid leaving hospital before their discharge procedures are completed.
• Notify the physician about inability to continue therapy.
• Hold responsibility for the consequences of refusing treatment.
• Refrain from using their mobile telephones in prohibited areas.
• Be courteous to hospital personnel.
• Maintain hospital properties, inside or outside their rooms, from destruction.
• Respect others belongings and look after their owns
• Refrain from smoking in all hospital facilities.