Originally posted by: mpks1
Yes she told that to Gautam. But Dhara's contention is that Gautam should have told her the truth inspite of Doctor's advise because she has the right to know and I 100% agree with Dhara on this.
The whole medical system is based on Patient's privacy here in the US. However gravely sick you are, you have every right to know what's happening with you once you turn 14 or older. Infact parents have to get permission from 14 and above until 21 to be involved. Kids authorize parents to talk on their behalf. HIPAA privacy rules is a very big thing in the USA. They educate and give assurance to kids to do the right thing and the hospitals have fantastic support system.
It is sad that such things are not practiced in India. Half the time the patient doesn't know what's happening with him or her.
@bold I don't know about private practices, and perhaps my POV is different as a relative insider, but as far as I've noticed, even in India the information is given to the patients first Akka.
In the government set up, the patients often aren't literate enough to completely understand, and we're asked to learn the patients terms for various symptoms and diseases so that we can help them understand their situation. It's only with older patients or children that the attender is the one who things are directly explained to and asked to tell the patient everything. It's a different thing that it's not in fear of legalities and mostly humanity and the doctor's need to make sure the patient takes care of themselves.
Although I do understand privacy rules being needed to be enforced more strongly, that doctor could be sued by Dhara for hiding information from her if she really wanted to. She would win the case too.