IT'S good that the Ministry of Health is emphasizing the rights of patients seeking treatment in hospitals, polyclinics and other health centers. This emphasis is reflected in its move to change the name of the Department of Patients' Relations to the Department of Patients' Relations and Rights. But it would actually be much better if the ministry devised a program to ensure that private hospitals, polyclinics and health centers safeguarded the rights of patients. Such a program should be viable enough to guarantee that all private hospitals, polyclinics and other health centers abide by the ministry's requirements and procedures. Patients' rights are not only about providing treatment but also ensuring that treatment is provided correctly and at the right time. Many hospitals, especially those providing specialized medical services, have a long list of patients who have been waiting for admission for months. This is not providing treatment at the right time. In many cases, if treatment is delayed, illnesses become acute and difficult to control. Apart from this, the ministry should see to it that drugs and other medicines are provided by hospitals rather than making patients buy them from pharmacies. Hospitals, polyclinics and health centers that have their own pharmacies should let their staff get the medicines themselves. The hospitals and polyclinics must also be instructed to acquire modern equipment that can help doctors make correct diagnoses of illnesses that cause patients so much suffering. Many hospitals and polyclinics are ill-equipped so much so that their doctors often resort to what could be considered trial-and-error procedures before they are able to make a correct diagnosis. Finally, the ministry should see to it that hospitals and polyclinics are adequately staffed with qualified medical and nursing personnel. Overworked doctors and nurses cannot adequately address the needs of patients. The relationship between medical personnel and patients is an integral part of health care. But this can only be successful if doctors and nurses have more time to attend to patients. __
