KUALA LUMPUR – Local health advocacy groups have inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the 2023 Patient’s Charter, which seeks to guide patient rights and responsibilities.
The charter, an updated version of the original 1996 copy, contains amendments based on technological advancements and changes to the medical landscape regarding patient welfare.
Some aspects considered in the updates include the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and the proliferation of digital information, leading to a heightened need for patients to be aware of their rights to privacy.
The MoU was developed by the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association and endorsed by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), the Malaysian Pharmacists Society, and the Private Hospitals of Malaysia Association.
Also present at the MoU signing today was Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa, who said that the initiative aligns with the ministry’s commitment to patient-centred care policies, as outlined in the health white paper.
“Our healthcare system is the cornerstone of our society’s well-being. As custodians of health, it is our sacred duty to ensure that it resonates with the evolving needs and expectations of our citizens,” she said in her speech.
“The revised Patient’s Charter is a powerful testament to this dedication – a symbol of our collective endeavour to instil transparency, patient empowerment, and uncompromising quality into the very fabric of our healthcare ethos.”
Besides that, MMA president Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai said that a patient’s awareness of their rights is vital to empowering individuals to actively participate in their healthcare journey.
“Understanding patient rights safeguards against potential abuse or negligence within the healthcare system, (as) patients can recognise when their care falls short of accepted standards and seek appropriate recourse.
“An informed patient population can collectively advocate for systemic improvements, influencing policies and regulations to align more closely with their needs,” he added.
While the charter is not legally binding and is instead more of a recommended ethical framework for patients and healthcare providers, APHM president Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh said that as signatories to the charter, members of the association will use the essence of the document when updating their own policies.
He added that a link to the updated charter will be provided on private hospitals’ online web pages to facilitate the transfer of knowledge to their patients. – August 28, 2023