As per the MCI Act, a doctor is required to provide the medical records within 72 hours when asked. Patients have the right to receive a copy of their medical records. Regulation 1.3.2 of the MCI Code of Ethics Regulations states: “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.”

The Consumer Guidance Society of India also gives the right to patients “to get 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 receive a copy of their clinical records.