International Patients: Know Your Rights Before a Doctor's Visit

A guide for Bangladeshi patients on their rights before a doctor's visit in India to ensure the best care.

Guide for international patients on understanding their rights before a medical consultation.

Traveling to a foreign country for medical treatment can be overwhelming. International patients often face unique challenges, such as language barriers, unfamiliar healthcare systems, and differing medical practices. Being aware of the rights can help you navigate the healthcare system more effectively, make informed decisions about your treatment, and address any issues that may arise during your care.

For Bangladeshi patients traveling to India, knowing these rights ensures that you receive the best care possible while protecting your interests and dignity. This guide aims to provide comprehensive insights into your rights before a doctor's visit in India.

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Responsive Table

Patient Right	Established	What It Means	Why It’s Important	Example
Right to Informed Consent	Nuremberg Code (1947) and Declaration of Helsinki (1964)	Doctors must explain treatments, risks, and alternatives	Helps you make knowledgeable decisions	Before surgery, the doctor explains everything. You can ask questions until you understand.
Right to Privacy and Confidentiality	HIPAA (1996) in the US, influencing global standards	Protects your personal and medical information	Keeps your information private, building trust	Hospitals use secure systems to store medical records.
Right to Access Care	Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)	Receive medical services without discrimination	Ensures equal access to healthcare	Hospitals treat all patients equally, regardless of nationality.
Right to a Second Opinion	Recognized progressively in the late 20th century as part of patient-centered care	Seek additional medical advice to confirm a diagnosis or treatment plan	Provides reassurance and additional information	Consult another specialist to verify a diagnosis.
Right to Safe and Respectful Treatment	WHO Patient Safety Program (2004)	Receive safe medical care with dignity and respect	Protects you from harm and ensures dignity	Hospitals follow hygiene protocols and respectful communication.

Indian Healthcare System

The Indian healthcare system is a mix of public and private services. Public healthcare is government-funded, providing free or subsidized medical care to citizens through a three-tier model consisting of primary, secondary, and tertiary care facilities. Despite significant improvements, such as an increase in life expectancy to 69.6 years in 2020 from 47.7 years in 1970. Private healthcare, often preferred by international patients, offers high-quality services with advanced technologies and shorter waiting times. Indian hospitals, particularly those in the Apollo network, are renowned for their world-class facilities and medical expertise.

Legal and Financial Considerations

Patient Rights Under Indian Law

Responsive Table

Law	Description	Importance
Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act	Regulates and standardizes healthcare services across India	Ensures quality and accountability in healthcare services
Consumer Protection Act	Protects patients as consumers, allowing them to file complaints against healthcare providers	Empowers patients to seek redressal for medical negligence or unfair practices

Insurance and Payment Options

Responsive Table

Aspect	Details
Health Insurance	Many Indian hospitals accept international health insurance. Patients should verify coverage with their insurance provider and the hospital.
Payment Methods	Hospitals accept various payment methods, including cash, credit/debit cards, and online payments. It's advisable to confirm accepted methods beforehand.

Practical Tips for Exercising Your Rights

Before the Visit

List down all questions you have about your condition and treatment.
Collect all necessary medical records and documents.
Familiarize yourself with your patient rights to ensure you are well-prepared.

During the Visit

Clearly communicate your concerns and questions to the doctor.
Ensure you understand all information provided by asking for clarifications if needed.
If you have difficulty understanding the language, request translation services.

After the Visit

Go through the treatment plan provided to ensure you understand all aspects.
If you have any concerns or feel your rights were violated, report them to the hospital administration.
If necessary, seek a second opinion or additional care.

Preparing for Your Medical Visit: Quick Tips

Responsive Table

Task	Details
Research Your Healthcare Provider	Look for reviews from other international patients and gather information about the hospital or clinic.
Gather Medical Records	Bring all relevant medical records, including previous diagnoses, test results, and a list of current medications.
Interpreter Services	Request interpreter services if needed to ensure clear communication with healthcare providers.
Understand Costs	Inquire about the estimated costs of consultations and treatments beforehand to avoid surprises.
Ask Questions	Prepare a list of questions about your diagnosis and treatment options to discuss during your visit.
Take Notes	Write down important information and instructions during consultations for future reference.
Follow-Up Care	Schedule follow-up appointments and know how to contact your healthcare provider for ongoing support.

Connect with us to plan your medical travel to Apollo India from Bangladesh

Rely on Bangla Health Connect, authorized representative of Apollo Hospitals India in Bangladesh.

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FAQs

What documents are needed for a medical visa?

You will need a valid passport, medical invitation letter, passport-sized photos, and any additional documents specified by the Indian consulate.

How can I ensure my medical information remains confidential?

Discuss confidentiality policies with your healthcare provider and request private consultations if necessary.

What steps should I take if I feel my rights have been violated?

Report the issue to the hospital administration or relevant patient advocacy groups.

Can I switch doctors if I am not satisfied with the care?

Yes, you have the right to seek a second opinion or change your healthcare provider if you are not satisfied with the care.

Need help with Apollo Hospitals in India?

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Bangla Health Connect in Bangladesh is the authorized representative of Apollo Hospitals India to assist in booking doctor appointments and coordinate travel plans for patients travelling to Apollo Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai & Ahmedabad.

What our customers are saying about us

I am really grateful to their team.They are very active in their profession. If somebody likes take treatment in Chennai Apollo Hospital, you can take help from them. They provide everything you need.

Rabi Sanyal

আপনাদের ধন্যবাদ দেয়ার ভাষা আমার জানা নেই, ভিসা ইনভাইটেশন থেকে শুরু করে এয়ারপোর্ট পিক এন্ড ড্রপ সার্ভিস, দেশে আসার পরে রিপোর্ট দেয়া, অসাধারণ। অন্তরের অন্ত:স্থল থেকে ধন্যবাদ। আল্লাহ আপনাদের মংগল করুন ❤️

Engr. Saad

I am very thankful to Apollo Information Center specially to Ms. Sanzida for guiding me properly. I am astonished how she approach me everything politely. Honestly for the first time I feel that the service was world-class by Ms Sanzida. I pray for her.

Md. Ariful Islam

Bangla health connect এর সার্ভিস গ্রহন করি আমার বাবার চিকিৎসার জন্য।প্রতিষ্ঠানের কর্মকর্তা ইশরাত জাহান অত্যন্ত আন্তরিক।তার সার্বিক সহযোগিতায় আমি কৃতজ্ঞ।

Mazharul Islam Maruf

The lady named Sadia did a very good job . She helped me in every possible way. Very helpful,well mannered. They response very quickly . If you have any queries just text them ,they will do the rest. Best wishes for them. Always thankful to the team.Go Ahead and keep doing good works .May Allah bless you All

Tanha Tabassum Arshi GUB

অসাধারণ সার্ভিস এই ইনফরমেশন সেন্টারের,বিশেষত তাদের ব্যাবহার অনেক সুন্দর। যারা অসুস্থ থাকেন তারা সর্বদা দুশ্চিন্তায় থাকেন। সে সময় যদি কেউ হাসি মুখে পাশে থাকেন তার থেকে আনন্দের বোধকরি কিছু হয় না। apollo information centre তেমনই একটি প্রতিষ্ঠান। তাছাড়া অনলাইনে ডাক্তরদের সাথে রোগী দেখানোর সময় তারা যে ভাবে সাহায্য করেন, নিজেরা প্যানেলে থেকে ভাষাগত ভাবে হেল্প করেন, বাস্তবিক সেটা প্রশংসার দাবিদার। বিশেষত ইসরাত জাহান আপু টেলিমেডিসিন পরিসেবা গ্রহণের সময় যে ভাবে হেল্প করেন,রোগীর প্রতিটি কথা ইংরেজিতে অনুবাদ করে ডাক্তারকে বলেন,আবার ডাক্তার সাহেবের কথা বাংলায় বুঝিয়ে দেন।সেটা এক কথায় অসাধারণ।তারপর, দ্রুত রোগীদের কাছে প্রেসকিপশন পাঠানোর ব্যাবস্থা করেন।এগুলা সম্পূর্ণ আন্তরিকতার পরিচয় বহন করে। আমি এই প্রতিষ্ঠানের সমৃদ্ধি কামনা করি।

Debangshu Das

Apollo Information Center is a helpful and easy media to get medical assistance from Apollo Hospitals in India.

Nino Rahman

Received timely and speedily support from Apollo Information Center, Dhaka for making appointment with Physicians of Apollo hospital, Chennai. The employees of this center were outstandingly cooperative,. Especially name of Anjum is worth mentioning in this regard.

Tarequl Alam Khan

Apollo Information Center, Dhaka was very quick to arrange Medical Visa Invitation Letter and managed appointment with doctor. Employees in Dhaka center are very generous and cooperative

Md Mobasher Hossain

It was a pleasant experience having interacted with Health Connect, more notably it’s representative Ms. Sunjida Sayed, in connection with my medical check-up at Apollo, Chennai Hospital. Her level of professionalism was outstanding, let alone the special touch of care in every bit of synergy. It means a lot to a patient looking for medical support.

Khondker Hafiz

Thanks to Ms. Anjuman Ara for the efficient arrangement. Thanks to the doctors (Dr. Reddi, Dr. Jeenat and Dr. Srinivas) for their sincere treatment of my son Amitabh Khan.

Barnali Mondal

International Patients: Know Your Rights Before a Doctor's Visit

Table of Contents

Indian Healthcare System

Legal and Financial Considerations

Patient Rights Under Indian Law

Insurance and Payment Options

Practical Tips for Exercising Your Rights

Before the Visit

During the Visit

After the Visit

Preparing for Your Medical Visit: Quick Tips

FAQs

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