1. RTI and Medical Records:
- Right to Access: Patient has undeniable right to access own medical records (court/CIC rulings).
- Duty to Provide: Physician must provide copies within 72 hours (Indian Medical Council Regulations, 2002).
- Consequences of Denial: "Deficiency in service" under CPA, professional misconduct, adverse inference in legal proceedings.
2. Applicability to Public and Private Hospitals:
- Public Hospitals: RTI Act applies directly; patients can file RTI for records.
- Private Hospitals: Not public authorities, so RTI Act doesn't apply directly. Patients still have right to records based on ethical codes, judicial pronouncements, Medical Council Regulations. Info can be sought indirectly via RTI to regulating public authority.
3. Confidentiality and Third-Party Information:
- Protection of Privacy: Medical records of other individuals are "personal information," exempt under RTI Act Section 8(1)(j).
- Public Interest Exception: Disclosure only in larger public interest.
- Spousal Records: Cannot normally seek partner's medical records without compelling public interest reason.
Application in Healthcare: Patients can seek info from government hospitals (treatment records, billing, staff qualifications).

Fundamental to effective and humane healthcare.

1. Ethical Principles in Healthcare:
- Beneficence: Acting in patient's best interest.
- Non-maleficence: "Do no harm."
- Autonomy: Respecting patient's right to informed decisions.
- Justice: Ensuring fairness, equal access to basic services.
- Informed Consent: Legal/ethical requirement for patient to understand/agree to procedure after being briefed on risks/benefits/alternatives.
2. Counselling Skills:
- Confidentiality: Privacy of patient info (Indian Medical Council code mandates absolute confidentiality with limited exceptions).
- Communication: Building rapport, trust, addressing anxiety.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Awareness/respect for diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Empathy: Active listening, understanding patient's perspective, patient-centered care.
3. Shift from Ethics to Law:
- Historically, doctor-patient relationship based on ethics/trust.
- Ethical values codified into law (CPA, judicial interpretations) making them enforceable rights.
- Focus shifted to patient rights, legal accountability, transparency.

Topic	Key Idea	Example
Contractual Obligations	Hospital must provide promised care	Surgery with post-op care
Valid Contract	Offer, acceptance, lawful terms	Agreement for paid treatment
Contractual Liability	Breach leads to damages	No post-op care provided
Criminal Liability	Gross negligence punished	Death due to reckless surgery
Tort