If a patient asks a doctor for his medical records, a doctor is required to provide it to him/her.

Patients have the right to receive a copy of their medical records. Regulation 1.3.2 of the MCI Code of Ethics Regulations, states that if a patient or his/her authorized attendant or some legal authorities request for the patient’s medical records, it must be acknowledged and the documents should be issued within 72 hours.

The Consumer Guidance Society of India also gives the right to patients to receive their medical records/case papers on request from the doctor/hospital. (Available from: www.cccindia.co/corecentre/guest/news/news_oct_2013_9.asp) 

The National Board for Accreditation of Healthcare (NABH)/Disease Management Association of India (DMAI) Patients’ Charter also gives the patients or their authorized individuals the right to request access to and receive their medical records.