Doctors must follow Regulation 2.3 of the MCI Code of Medical Ethics and keep their patient and his/her relatives well-informed.

Regulation 2.3 of the MCI Code of Ethics states: “The physician should neither exaggerate nor minimize the gravity of a patient’s condition. He should ensure himself that the patient, his relatives or his responsible friends have such knowledge of the patient’s condition as will serve the best interests of the patient and the family.” Further, Regulation 3.2 states: “In every consultation, the benefit to the patient is of foremost importance. All physicians engaged in the case should be frank with the patient and his attendants.” 

Patients have the right to be told about their illness and to have their medical records explained as stated by the Consumer Guidance Society of India. The NABH/DMAI Patients’ Charter on Patients’ rights also says, “Patients have to be educated on risks, benefits, expected treatment outcomes and possible complications to enable them to make informed decisions and involve them in the care planning and delivery process.”