The MCI has laid down strict guidelines on this issue in Regulation 1.3.2: “If any request is made for medical records either by the patients/authorised attendant or legal authorities involved, the same may be duly acknowledged and documents shall be issued within the period of 72 hours.”

Failure to adhere to these guidelines is regarded as professional misconduct and renders a doctor liable for disciplinary action as per Chapter 7, Regulation 7.2: “If he/she does not maintain the medical records of his/her indoor patients for a period of 3 years as per Regulation 1.3 and refuses to provide the same within 72 hours when the patient or his/her authorised representative makes a request for it as per the Regulation 1.3.2.”